Funding will help make repairs to keep 873 units in service for vulnerable populations in 14 counties OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Department of Commerce this week announced $19.8 million in awards to 31 applicants to preserve 873 affordable housing units through the Housing Preservation Program. These projects provide critically needed housing to some of Washington’s most vulnerable populations. Nine of the awarded projects are in King County, and the other…
Tag Archives: News release
Washington’s share of $2.75 billion in federal funding will unlock opportunities to connect communities, support access to computers and digital skills programs OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington’s Digital Equity Plan has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), bringing with it approximately $15.9 million in available federal funding from the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The plan addresses disparities and identifies barriers to digital access, skills and affordability…
Second round of Evergreen Manufacturing grants anticipate creating up to 526 new jobs over three years OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce today announced $2 million in grants to accelerate manufacturing job growth and economic opportunity across the state, with a focus on rural communities. Ten projects were awarded $200,000 each through the Evergreen Manufacturing grant program. Together, the projects anticipate supporting up to an estimated 526 jobs…
Washington Public Works Board emergency construction funds will repair two projects in Okanogan County, one in Grant County OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) took action at its March 15 meeting to award $2.4 million in emergency construction funds to support critical infrastructure replacements in Grant and Okanogan counties. Each local project received funding divided equally in the form of a grant and a 0.86% low-interest…
Commerce Director Fong announces first round of grants to assist Washington state applications for millions in federal funds OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce today announced the first two rounds of grants from a new program designed to assist communities in capturing opportunities to receive a share of billions in federal funding currently available to states. The Securing Federal Funding Initiative, funded by the Washington State Legislature, supports…
Annual awards recognize outstanding work in community planning and development Olympia, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce has opened nominations for the 18th annual Governor’s Smart Communities Awards, a program that recognizes outstanding work by local governments and their partners on long-term community planning and development. Nominations feature the best our state has to offer in collaborative community development and local comprehensive planning. Community leaders look to this…
Commerce study outlines priorities, strategies to grow creative sector which represents nearly 20% of total state economic production OLYMPIA, WA – The creative sector accounts for nearly 20% of Washington state’s economy, contributing nearly $120 billion annually to the state GDP, according to a report released today from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The report, produced with the assistance of the Creative Economy Strategic Work Group and lead contractor…
Additional grant funding is available through March to support regional planning for vulnerable residents at the lowest income levels OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $240,000 to five community partnerships across the state to support coordination of land use planning and homeless services planning. Each city or county-led partnership will use the funds to coordinate resources and plan for their lowest income housing needs, including residents…
Grants will fund acquisition, renovation, and construction of 42 early learning facilities to serve nearly 2,500 children in 15 counties OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), has awarded $30.4 million in grants to 42 early learning providers across the state. Early Learning Facilities grants provide financial assistance to Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors…
Targeted investments address BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, look to reduce inflow, waitlists in homeless crisis response system OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced more than $1.2 million in grants to provide homelessness diversion services throughout Washington state. The program is intended to help families and individuals identify practical solutions for resolving a housing crisis quickly and safely, and may include short-term services and financial…