Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests more than $10 million in four counties

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests more than $10 million in four counties

State funds will leverage nearly $664 million in private and local investments in projects expected to create 242 family-wage jobs. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $10 million in low interest loans and $75,000 in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to spur business growth and job creation in communities throughout the state. Among the supported projects is a new…

State survey: Most people say housing is #1 issue

State survey: Most people say housing is #1 issue

Housing costs/rents, homelessness and overall cost of living top list of most important problems facing Washington state in new survey by Department of Commerce and Puget Sound Regional Council OLYMPIA, WA — Housing and homelessness topped a list of 12 issues in a new survey that asked Washington state residents to rank their top two problems facing the state. The Department of Commerce partnered with the Puget Sound Regional Council…

Commerce invests $2.5 million to accelerate development of six rural industrial sites

Commerce invests $2.5 million to accelerate development of six rural industrial sites

State grants aim to attract, expand manufacturing activity and jobs in communities across the state OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce recently awarded $2.5 million in grants to six projects that will expand the state’s portfolio of project-ready industrial sites and incentivize private investment. With help from this state funding, publicly owned sites become more competitive for business attraction nationally and globally. These one-time grants support engineering…

Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association receives positive review on US Dept. of Energy Hydrogen Hub proposal

Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association receives positive review on US Dept. of Energy Hydrogen Hub proposal

Joint Washington-Oregon regional concept paper one of 33 out of 79 proposals to receive encouragement to proceed toward potential billion-dollar federal funding award SEATTLE, WA — Backed by a letter of encouragement from the US Department of Energy (DOE), the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) will submit a full application for funding to construct a regional clean hydrogen hub in the Pacific Northwest. PNWH2’s concept paper is one of 33…

$20.4 million in state grants will expand behavioral health care access for people in crisis

$20.4 million in state grants will expand behavioral health care access for people in crisis

Commerce awards capital funding for acquisition, renovation and new construction of crisis stabilization facilities in Benton, King, Skagit and Whatcom counties OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced another $20.4 million investment in community-based facilities serving people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, or who are in need of withdrawal management services to help them restore and stabilize their health. Five crisis triage and stabilization…

Janel McFeat named Executive Director of Washington Statewide Reentry Council

Janel McFeat named Executive Director of Washington Statewide Reentry Council

OLYMPIA, WA — Human rights champion Janel McFeat will lead Washington’s Statewide Reentry Council beginning January 3. McFeat started her social work career in Tacoma and currently serves as a strategic planner/program manager for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, where she created a nationally-recognized reentry program using evidence-based practices and a people-first human dignity model. She is a White House Champion for Change nominee and recipient of the Linda Gabriel…

Up to $900 million at stake: State seeks public input on federal broadband map

Up to $900 million at stake: State seeks public input on federal broadband map

Deadline looms for verification and challenges to service data that will determine Washington’s share of significant federal broadband infrastructure funding OLYMPIA, WA – Washington state’s three funding partners working to expand broadband access to all businesses and residents are asking the public to help check Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data in a recently published National Broadband Map.  The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO), Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), and Public…

Commerce makes final Right of Way Safety Initiative funding awards to city and nonprofit proposals in latest step toward closing Camp Hope

Commerce makes final Right of Way Safety Initiative funding awards to city and nonprofit proposals in latest step toward closing Camp Hope

New investments bring total to 376 beds for temporary and permanent housing now funded in Spokane. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce will fund multiple proposals from the final portion of state’s Right of Way Safety Initiative funding available for work to close the homeless encampment on Washington State Department of Transportation property in Spokane, known as Camp Hope. These newest investments of more than $4 million…

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…

Department of Commerce announces $32.5 million in grants from new Small Business Innovation Fund

Department of Commerce announces $32.5 million in grants from new Small Business Innovation Fund

Funding will support at least 22 projects across Washington state focused on increasing programs and services to help meet the needs of underserved communities, businesses, entrepreneurs OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced 22 projects conditionally awarded Small Business Innovation Fund (SBIF) grants ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. The total $32.5 million awarded will fund a variety of activities, including: small business incubators and accelerators,…