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…
Department of Commerce adds an SBA Collateral Support Program to menu of credit assistance options available to businesses Olympia, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a new revolving loan fund that will help increase access to credit through the Washington Small Business Credit Initiative. Small businesses are a key engine of growth in our state economy, accounting for more than 40 percent of all private-sector jobs and over $200…
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…
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today announced a $50,000 grant to the City of Pateros targeting business growth and job creation in Okanogan County. The city will conduct a feasibility study to assess the potential for developing 16 acres of property for a business park and RV/camping facility. CERB funds are matched by $24,000 in local funds. “The Community Economic Revitalization Board is dedicated to helping communities across the…
Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) leads public-private effort to enhance industry-driven training for small and medium-sized businesses OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a $100,000 Work Start grant to the not-for-profit Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) to develop and coordinate an employer-driven plastics industry training program designed to bring more manufacturing to Washington State. Up to 100 workers will be trained, with half of those…
Funding supports essential planning to guide future rural community development. The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced nearly $400,000 in Community Development Block Grants to 17 rural cities and counties. The grants, ranging from $18,000 to $24,000, will fund crucial plans and feasibility studies for new or improved water and wastewater systems, community centers, food banks, and fire safety facilities across the state. “These grants will help communities collect and evaluate…
Community Economic Revitalization Board approves nearly $90K to study job creation strategies OLYMPIA, WA –The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today announced $89,750 in grants targeting business growth and job creation in Chelan and Whitman counties. Supplemented with local matching funds, the CERB grants will support studies to help community officials make strategic decisions about future investments to promote economic development. $39,750 grant to City of Wenatchee to…
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…
Advanced Planning Grant Program enabled by 777X incentive legislation The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced the award of two grants totaling $750,000 to the City of Spokane and Snohomish County’s Paine Field to advance environmental permitting efforts and help prepare sites for large-scale manufacturing development. Paine Field will receive $400,000 to conduct environmental review for the approximately 840,000-square-foot Aerospace Business Park planned for the west side of the…