State Board supports economic feasibility studies in Cowlitz, and Clallam counties

The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $130,000 targeting business growth and job creation for the city of Kalama, Longview Public Development Authority and Quileute Tribal Council.

  • Cowlitz County — $50,000 grant to the city of Kalama for the Kalama Downtown Economic Revitalization Implementation Strategy, a feasibility study to update the city’s economic development plan, evaluate and develop a plan for additional support services and a market analysis to identify target industries and businesses for the downtown core.  CERB funds are leveraged with $25,000 in local funds.
  • Cowlitz County — $30,000 grant to the Longview Public Development Authorityfor the Equestrian Facilities at Cowlitz County Event Center Feasibility Analysis.  Feasibility study to complete a market, financial, and economic impact analysis for upgrading the existing equine facilities.  CERB funds are leveraged with $10,000 in local funds.
  • Clallam County— $50,000 grant to the Quileute Tribal Council for the Higher Ground Infrastructure Master Plan.  A master plan to refine the current land use master plan, and to create a preliminary infrastructure master plan that would identify the roads, water, sewer, stormwater, power, and telecommunications needs to support the relocation of the tribe out of the tsunami and flood inundation zone.  CERB funds are leveraged with $16,667 in local funds.

““The Community Economic Revitalization Board is dedicated to helping communities across the state develop the infrastructure to attract, retain and grow businesses and jobs.  These investments will have a positive economic impact at a time when it is needed the most.” said CERB Chair Steve Anderson.
“These announcements are a mix of projects that facilitate direct business recruitment and community development projects that help improve ‘quality of place,’ which is critically important when it comes to fostering local economic growth.” 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.  Private capital investments of $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:
City of Kalama: Adam Smee, City Administrator, 360-673-3265
Longview PDA: Bob Gregory, Executive Director, 360-430-4946
Quileute Tribal Council: Susan Devine, MTHG Project Manage, 360-640-5524