Washington Public Works Board opens application for $13.5 million in broadband project funding

Washington Public Works Board opens application for $13.5 million in broadband project funding

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…

Gov. Jay Inslee to lead 100-member delegation representing $70-billion aerospace and aviation sector in Washington state – “Where the Next Big Thing Begins”

Gov. Jay Inslee to lead 100-member delegation representing $70-billion aerospace and aviation sector in Washington state – “Where the Next Big Thing Begins”

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…

Community Economic revitalization Board invests more than $10 million in three counties

Community Economic revitalization Board invests more than $10 million in three counties

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…

Broadband infrastructure investments promise access to high-speed internet connections for nearly 15,000 Washington households

Broadband infrastructure investments promise access to high-speed internet connections for nearly 15,000 Washington households

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…

Washington State 2023 Energy Report shows significant progress toward clean energy transition, notes key policy and funding opportunities

Washington State 2023 Energy Report shows significant progress toward clean energy transition, notes key policy and funding opportunities

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…

Commerce invests nearly $650,000 toward building new statewide Apple Health and Homes network to address chronic homelessness

Commerce invests nearly $650,000 toward building new statewide Apple Health and Homes network to address chronic homelessness

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…

Washington State Public Works Board opens applications for $235 million in funding

Washington State Public Works Board opens applications for $235 million in funding

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…

Washington Department of Commerce names Lisa Heaton to lead digital equity work

Washington Department of Commerce names Lisa Heaton to lead digital equity work

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…

Community benefits at the forefront of nearly $10 million in Commerce building electrification grants

Community benefits at the forefront of nearly $10 million in Commerce building electrification grants

Maximizing energy efficiency and electrification of large buildings are key to meeting state clean energy and environmental justice goals. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.7 million in Clean Energy Fund grants to support decarbonization of buildings throughout the state. The Building Electrification grant program funds deployment of grid-interactive buildings and installation of high-efficiency electric equipment. Eligible grant applicants included state and local governments, federally…

Commerce commits $83.5 million to address homelessness through affordable housing construction

Commerce commits $83.5 million to address homelessness through affordable housing construction

First-ever Apple Health and Homes Capital plus additional funding advance new projects to serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in communities across Washington state Olympia, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce announced new funding awards totaling $83.5 million to provide affordable housing opportunities in communities across the state. The new Office of Apple Health and Homes and Commerce’s Multifamily Housing Unit awarded $43.7 million to create…