Community Economic Revitalization Board approves grants for Benton, Grant, Kitsap and Pacific counties.
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $234,500 in public investments for infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies targeting business growth and job creation at the Port of Benton, Port of Moses Lake, Port of Bremerton, Port of Kingston, and the Port of Peninsula.
Benton County – $50,000 grant to the Port of Benton for a master planning feasibility study to assess the 1,341 acres north of Horn Rapids Road for clean energy and biosciences target industry sectors. The study will include a capital facilities master plan, traffic study and utility study. CERB funds are matched by $97,641 in local resources.
Grant County – $50,000 grant to the Port of Moses Lake for their industrial wastewater management expansion study. This is a feasibility study that will detail the existing industrial waste water treatment system, anticipated future demands and recommendations for the future growth of the system. CERB funds are matched by $35,800 in local resources.
Kitsap County – $49,500 grant to the Port of Bremerton for feasibility work to develop a marketing strategy to make the port’s real estate portfolio more competitive locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. CERB funds are matched by $25,500 in local resources.
Kitsap County – $35,000 grant to the Port of Kingston for a feasibility study to develop a site plan that will assess the existing downtown business base, area assets, local and regional markets and growth opportunities and challenges. CERB funds are matched by $12,000 in local resources.
Pacific County – $50,000 grant to the Port of Peninsula for the marina dock upgrade planning study. This study will develop a vision and long-term strategic plan for the Port of Peninsula Marina that leverages commercial shellfish mariculture, fishing, industries and maritime activities while increasing berths, safety and dock longevity. CERB funds are matched by $30,000 in local resources.
“Our role is to be responsive to local needs by making timely and smart investment decisions. CERB has a proven track record for being a good steward of public money and an advocate for local communities,” said CERB Chair Steve Anderson.
“These strategic planning investments help strengthen communities by supporting their specific visions for economic development and job creation. Our ability to assist local communities in making the most of their best attributes is vital to our Washington’s overall economic vitality,” said Brian Bonlender, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The release of CERB funds to these projects is contingent upon each applicant completing specific pre-contract requirements, such as finalizing other funding sources and obtaining necessary permits.
Since 1982, CERB has committed nearly $206 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment generating more than 34,000 jobs, and private capital investments of a $5.7 billion ($27 to $1) return on CERB investment.
As Washington’s strategic economic development resource, CERB is focused on creating private sector jobs in partnership with local governments by financing infrastructure improvements. These improvements encourage new business development and expansion. In addition to funding construction projects, CERB provides limited funding for studies that evaluate high-priority economic development projects. Learn more about CERB at www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb.
Local Contacts:
Port of Benton: Diahann Howard, Director of Economic Development & Gov., 509-375-3060
Port of Moses Lake: Jeffrey Bishop, Executive Director, 509-762-5363
Port of Bremerton: Steven Sparks, Facilities & Planning Director, 253-307-9367
Port of Kingston: Jim Pivarnik, Executive Director, 360-297-3545
Port of Peninsula: Jay Personius, Industrial & Economic Development Director, 360-567-5085