Recommendations set stage for economic development through investment in critical infrastructure. The Washington State Public Works Board today unanimously voted to move 51 projects forward for funding consideration by Gov. Inslee and the state Legislature. Target results for these projects focus on a cleaner Puget Sound, energy savings, and improved traffic flow to help bolster economic growth and job creation throughout our state. The Board also recommended a reduced interest…
The Washington State Building Code Council unanimously approved a change in state law that allows installation of simple rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems without review by an engineer. This change removes an estimated $500 to $2,500 in project costs and up to eight weeks of wait time for homeowners without compromising structural safety, according to Tim Stearns, Senior Energy Policy Specialist at the State Energy Office in the Department of Commerce. “The Building…
Gov. Jay Inslee announces new partnership that will provide aid to Hampton Lumber Mill in Darrington
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that a new partnership between the Washington State Department of Commerce and United Way of Snohomish County is allowing $300,000 in grant funding to help Hampton Mill in Darrington continue operations while SR 530 is repaired. “We will continue to stand strong with this community through the hard work of recovery and rebuilding. Hampton Mill is the economic heartbeat of Darrington, and the truckers that…
Governor Jay Inslee today announced that he is appointing Mary Margaret Haugen and Lisa Wellman to represent the general public on the Public Works Board. “These candidates have strong records of community and civic involvement that will be a great contribution to the Board’s mission of assisting local governments with critical infrastructure needs,” Gov. Inslee said. Mary Margaret Haugen has represented the 10th District in the Washington State Legislature for…
Public hearing set for March 27 in Olympia The Washington State Department of Commerce will conduct a public hearing from 11 a.m. to noon, March 27, 2014, in Olympia to receive comments on a request for additional federal funds to weatherize homes. The hearing is at Town Square Building 5, 1011 Plum Street SE, Olympia, 98504, 2nd Floor Conference Room #207. Each year, the state receives federal funds from the U.S. Department…
Friday kicks off annual promotion of FREE tax return preparation centers to help thousands of people claim Earned Income Tax Credit payment from IRS REVISED on February 10, 2014 Now is the time to learn how to apply for your share of millions in Earned Income Tax Credit(EITC) dollars available to eligible families and individuals from the Internal Revenue Service. Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed Friday, January 31, “Earned Income Tax Credit Day” to…
Washington is now 4th in the nation for access at 100 Mbps and third in broadband adoption OLYMPA, WA – The work of public and private broadband providers is paying off in Washington according to the 2013 Annual Broadband Report released today by the Washington State Broadband Office. During the last year, more than 450 of the state’s 629 Census-designated communities saw increased access to broadband through wireline and/or wireless providers. For many…
Commerce Director Brian Bonlender appoints Randy Hayden to serve a three-year term OLYMPIA, WA – Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender today announced the appointment of Randy Hayden to the port representative position on the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). Hayden currently serves as the deputy executive director at the Port of Pasco. CERB is a 20-member state board focused on economic development and job growth through public infrastructure investments in partnership…
Office of Economic Development and Competiveness continues to build industry leadership team. Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender recently named Kristiné Reeves, Maura Little and Will Saunders to the sector lead team in the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. All told, the three target industries they will focus on represent more than $35 billion in payroll for residents of Washington State: Information and Communication Technology, Life Sciences and Military and Defense. “Our sector-based economic…
Craft3 and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union selected to manage state revolving loan funds for supporting widespread use of proven building energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced that Craft3 and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union will be awarded grants of $11.6 million and $2.9 million respectively to help individuals and companies finance residential and commercial building energy efficiency work and renewable…