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…

State Broadband Office offers $120 million in grants to build “last mile” infrastructure

State Broadband Office offers $120 million in grants to build “last mile” infrastructure

Grants up to $12 million each offered as Washington state pushes toward goal of high-speed internet access for all residents and businesses by 2028 OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Broadband Office is accepting applications now through January 17, 2023 for grants of up to $12 million each for broadband infrastructure construction projects. With $120 million available, the grants target “unserved” areas – defined as areas lacking access to reliable…

Public Works Board approves over $118 million in pre-construction and construction loans 

Public Works Board approves over $118 million in pre-construction and construction loans 

Funding awards support vital community infrastructure projects across Washington state OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) approved over $118 million in funding for local community infrastructure projects at its Friday, Nov. 4 meeting. Loans from the PWB’s traditional pre-construction and construction programs will fund vital public infrastructure across six different systems: streets and roads, bridges, domestic water, stormwater, sanitary sewers, and solid waste and recycling. Pre-Construction…

Washington Public Works Board invites public input on changes to broadband funding program

Washington Public Works Board invites public input on changes to broadband funding program

Stakeholder input from November workshops, December 27 public hearing will help inform rulemaking, set priorities for changes required by 2022 Legislature OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) is seeking public participation to help identify and prioritize issues that stakeholders believe should be addressed in the Board’s broadband funding program as a result of changes made to the program by the 2022 state Legislature. Input from two…

Department of Commerce offers grants to spur industrial site development

Department of Commerce offers grants to spur industrial site development

New industrial site readiness program has $2.5 million available for counties, cities, port districts and tribal governments throughout Washington state OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched an Industrial Site Readiness grant program designed to support counties, cities, port districts and tribal governments with plans to develop and revitalize properties for manufacturing or other industrial uses. Eligible public entities throughout the state can apply for grants…

WSU Extension, Commerce partner to expand rural broadband access, equity

WSU Extension, Commerce partner to expand rural broadband access, equity

PULLMAN, WA — Community specialists with WSU Extension are partnering with the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) to enhance capacity by Washington communities, especially those in rural and remote areas, to provide better and more equitable access to reliable, high-speed internet. Funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the one-year, $8 million statewide Broadband Action Team (BAT) Implementation and Support project aids county and community efforts with training, planning…

Washington Public Works Board accepting loan applications now through Sept. 9

Washington Public Works Board accepting loan applications now through Sept. 9

$120 million in low-interest state loans available for local infrastructure projects OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) is accepting applications for infrastructure construction and pre-construction loans now through midnight, Sept. 9. Cities, counties, special purpose districts and quasi-municipal organizations may apply. Infrastructure systems eligible for these very low-interest state loans – between 0.47 and 1.39% for a 20-year construction loan – include streets and roads, bridges,…

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board lands $65 million in new capital budget

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board lands $65 million in new capital budget

Clallam, Pacific, Spokane and Yakima Counties awarded latest round of $200,000 in CERB planning grants today OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) received $40 million for economic development funding and $25 million for community broadband funding in the 2022 supplemental capital budget. These historic levels of funding arrive as CERB celebrates 40 years and will assist rural communities and Tribes in building their economic futures.…

State Public Works Board accepting broadband construction loan applications through April 26

State Public Works Board accepting broadband construction loan applications through April 26

Over $19.9 million available for projects providing broadband to unserved Washington communities OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board is accepting applications for broadband infrastructure construction loans now through midnight, April 26, 2022. Cities, towns, counties, public port districts, special purpose districts, quasi-municipal corporations, Tribes, nonprofit organizations, cooperative associations, limited liability corporations organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access, and incorporated businesses or partnerships may apply. Approximately…

Commerce awards nearly $19 million in infrastructure funding to boost affordable housing development in seven counties

Commerce awards nearly $19 million in infrastructure funding to boost affordable housing development in seven counties

Grants will fund utility connection fees and the improvements needed to connect affordable housing to municipal water and sewer systems. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $18.6 million in funding for 16 projects that will support the development of more than 1,500 affordable housing units throughout the state. Funds will lower the effective cost of development by about $12,000 for each housing unit. “The communities…