Commerce awards $4.76 million to dairy digester bioenergy and other innovative clean energy projects in seven rural communities OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced seven grants totaling $4.76 million from the state’s Clean Energy Fund to enhance dairy digesters and advance clean energy in rural communities. These investments will result in improved air and water quality or soil health, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and…
Tag Archives: Mike Fong
Washington State Broadband Office awards $14.5 million to provide one-on-one technical support, devices, and subscriptions to facilitate internet use and adoption OLYMPIA, WA — Most of us take the internet for granted, yet nearly 240,000 Washington households do not have access to high-speed internet, and 4% do not have access to a computing device. This week the Washington State Department of Commerce announced $14.5 million in grants to continue expanding…
OLYMPIA, WA – On Sept. 5, 2023, Washington state received a $23.4 million Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to modernize the electric grid and reduce impacts due to extreme weather and natural disasters. Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants aim to ensure the reliability of power sector infrastructure so that communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity. “Electricity is…
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project among organizations receiving funding to provide legal aid in communities across Washington state OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $15.4 million in grants to eight organizations across the state, expanding access to legal aid services for low-income immigrants. The 2023-25 appropriation from the Washington Legislature enables nearly a doubling of previous annual funding levels. “Everyone deserves to be safe, remain together…
Contributions in exchange for tax credits will fund grants to eligible lending institutions to provide services and investment capital for small businesses lacking access to traditional bank loans. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a new program to address inequities in accessing capital for small businesses. The Equitable Access to Credit Program, created by the state legislature (HB 1015), creates a new funding mechanism to…
Nearly 1,500 businesses across the state still struggling with pandemic recovery receive grants to cover losses OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has distributed $79 million in grants to 1,493 hospitality sector businesses impacted by the pandemic. Authorized by the Washington Legislature in 2022 (ESSB 5693), funding provided through the Washington Hospitality Grant program is assisting businesses across the state with much needed relief right in time…
The shows will go on across the state as 200 organizations in 36 counties receive much-needed pandemic relief grants OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA, has awarded over $3 million in grants to 200 community events and festivals that either had to suspend operations or restart due to the pandemic. The qualifying grantees reported a total…
Commerce Director Mike Fong names former Patty Murray aide to agency executive leadership post OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong today announced Kyla Shkerich Blair will join the agency as Chief of Staff. Shkerich Blair has over a decade of experience serving in city, state and federal government roles, where she spent much of her time listening and engaging with communities across the state. Prior…
Applications open now for over $300 million in capital to develop multifamily rental housing projects OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today opened applications for projects seeking capital to develop affordable housing across the state. At more than $302 million, it is the state’s largest single funding round to date. Funds are available to eligible non-profits, local governments, community housing development agencies, tribal governments and housing authorities.…
“It is with heavy hearts that the Department of Commerce sends condolences to the Tulalip Tribes and the family of Senator John McCoy. We credit the late Senator John McCoy with being the first tribal leader that recognized the value of a strong partnership between the tribes and the Department of Commerce. He was described as being incredibly patient and caring while working with Commerce staff and carefully leading them…