State board increases per-project caps for construction funding
Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) raises per-project funding limits to $3 million for core construction, $2 million for rural broadband projects
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) has increased the maximum amount local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes may apply for to fund infrastructure projects in their communities, including rural broadband projects. The new limits are $3 million per project for CERB core construction funds and $2 million for rural broadband funds.
These higher limits are effective through June 30, 2019, the end of the current two-year state budget. CERB previously capped funding awards from these programs at $2 million and $1 million per project, respectively.
Next application deadlines are Jan. 14, 2019 and March 18, 2019. These are the final two opportunities to apply for CERB construction funding provided in the state’s 2017-19 capital budget.
Detailed application information is available on the CERB website at www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb or by contacting program director Janea Delk at janea.delk@commerce.wa.gov . Interested parties may also connect with CERB on LinkedIn and Facebook.
CERB construction funds are low-interest loans. In unique circumstances grants may be offered in a loan/grant funding package, but are not guaranteed. Funding awards are determined through the application vetting process and approved by the Board.
Since 1982, CERB has committed nearly $176 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment generating more than 35,500 jobs, and private capital investment of $5.7 billion – a $33 to $1 return on CERB investment.
Penny Thomas, Commerce Communications, 206-256-6106