State’s largest homeless encampment now transitions to site restoration SPOKANE – The state’s largest homeless encampment is closing today as state agencies and community partners have moved the last individual living at the encampment into housing. This is the culmination of 18 months of work by three state agencies – and several dedicated outreach group partners – under the state’s Right of Way Safety Initiative. An estimated 600 people were…
“It is with heavy hearts that the Department of Commerce sends condolences to the Tulalip Tribes and the family of Senator John McCoy. We credit the late Senator John McCoy with being the first tribal leader that recognized the value of a strong partnership between the tribes and the Department of Commerce. He was described as being incredibly patient and caring while working with Commerce staff and carefully leading them…
Low-interest loans available for broadband construction projects in unserved areas of Washington state OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) today opened applications for broadband construction funding offering a total of $13.5 million in low-interest loans for projects in unserved areas of the state. “The Public Works Board continues to make broadband access in unserved areas a priority with the availability of these very low-interest loans,” said Board…
Sustainable aviation, space flight and air mobility among innovations showcased by Washington state companies at Paris Air Show OLYMPIA, Wash. – Sustainable fuels. Industry 4.0. Automation. Uncrewed systems. Super/Hypersonic capacity. Advanced air mobility. Commercial space. More than buzzwords, these are some of the strengths found in Washington state that will be the focus of a 100-member delegation at the Paris Air Show this month. Led by Washington Governor Jay Inslee…
State funds leverage over $127 million in private and local resources expected to create and retain 185 high-wage jobs. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $8.75 million in low-interest loans and $1.35 million in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to spur business growth and job creation in Adams, Snohomish and Spokane counties. Adams County – $3.75 million loan and…
The Washington State Broadband Office awarded $121 million in grants that will provide connections to unserved and underserved communities statewide. OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Broadband Office today announced over $121 million in grants for 19 broadband construction projects that will deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the state. “Broadband access is essential infrastructure, providing a critical gateway to education, health care, social and…
Climate Commitment Act, first-in-the-nation building performance standards, clean fuel standard among highlights; transmission capacity, equity impacts and workforce offer critical opportunities OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce 2023 Biennial Energy Report documents numerous accomplishments in implementing the State Energy Strategy, including several landmark legislative actions. It also identifies key next steps needed for the state to advance its energy and climate policies and meet the goal of…
Funding to 27 organizations will build capacity in communities throughout Washington state for groundbreaking program that links health care and housing. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce recently announced the inaugural round of Apple Health and Homes (AHAH) funding to 27 organizations across the state with projects intended to serve individuals experiencing homelessness who also have health conditions. Over 70 percent of people who are chronically homeless…
Grants and low-interest loans available for construction, pre-construction and emergency public infrastructure projects OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Public Works Board this week opened applications for three funding programs offering a total of $235 million in grants and low-interest loans for public infrastructure projects. This is the first of two application cycles in the 2023-25 biennium. A subsequent funding round is expected to open in 2024. Cities, towns, counties, special purpose…
New Managing Director of Broadband Equity will focus on community-led solutions to provide broadband access, affordability and digital literacy for all Washington residents OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has hired Lisa Heaton (she/her) to serve as Managing Director of Broadband Equity working in partnership with the Washington State Broadband Office. Heaton, a past recipient of the Governor’s Leadership in Management Award, brings a wealth of public…