FirstStop helps local governments find financial and technical assistance for public works infrastructure projects
The Washington State Public Works Board announced their new FirstStop initiative, a collection of tools and services that helps communities identify available resources to move local public infrastructure projects forward.
An online Resource Catalogue provides a first-stop referral system to financial, technical, and training resources provided by expert agencies, nonprofit organizations, associations and others.
“Finding financing for infrastructure today is a challenging experience. With fewer resources available, small and medium sized communities are most directly affected. This new tool will help Washington’s community leaders identify public works financing resources available to them when they need it,” said Stan Finkelstein, Public Works Board Chair.
In-person consultation and coordinated services are also available through the Public Works Board’s regional service coordinators. With extensive knowledge of existing public works resources, these coordinators help communities develop funding strategies for their infrastructure projects and guide them to the right resource providers.
FirstStop and the Resource Catalogue were showcased with to over 300 people at the annual conference of the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC) last week in Wenatchee. Online visitors can access the Resource Catalogue and more information about FirstStop on the PWB’s website: http://www.pwb.wa.gov.
“I can see the value of the one stop shop for all city staff to utilize. The quick links make it easy and efficient to access various databases,” said Eric Durpos, City of Colville, Municipal Services Administrator.
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About the Public Works Board
The mission of the Public Works Board is to provide financial and technical assistance to Washington communities for critical public health, safety, and environmental infrastructure that support community and economic vitality. The PWB is comprised of 13 members, appointed by the Governor for four-year terms. Three represent counties, three represent cities, three represent special purpose districts, and four are from the private sector. Since 1985, the PWB has made over 1,900 loans and has had no defaults. The Board’s administrative cost to manage a $2.8 Billion portfolio has been lower than one percent. View a map by county of all PWB investments on our website.