849 Port Way Clarkston, Washington 99403 Phone: 509-758-5272 Fax: 509-758-1746 E-mail:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
128-10th Avenue SW,
PO Box 42525
Olympia, Washington 98504-2525
(360) 725-4000 Fax (360) 586-8440
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Funds will create jobs and stimulate local economies in Asotin, Klickitat, Lincoln and Yakima counties
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today announced $3.3 million in public investments targeting job creation and business growth in Asotin, Klickitat, Lincoln and Yakima counties.
"Strategic infrastructure investments like these help strengthen the partnership between business and government, leading to job creation and economic development," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "These projects will benefit rural communities in Washington at a time when it is needed most."
Since 1982, CERB has committed more than $144 million to counties across the state, an investment generating nearly 36,000 jobs. The board approved the following projects at today's meeting:
Asotin County - $1 million in loans and grants to the Port of Clarkston for infrastructure for Phase I of an industrial park. As a result of this project, 55 jobs are expected to be created. The project will allow the port to provide shovel-ready parcels in the industrial park.
Klickitat County - $25,000 grant to the City of Goldendale for a study to determine the feasibility of constructing and managing a publicly-owned incubator in support of growing alternative energy producing wind farms, vineyards and wineries, and other businesses. CERB funds are matched by $16,000 in local funds.
Lincoln County - $2 million in loans and grants to the Odessa Public Development Authority for infrastructure at the Barr Regional Bio-Industrial Park to accommodate the building and utility needs of a manufacturing plant for biochemicals made from organic agricultural waste. As a result of the project, 71.5 jobs are expected to be created. CERB funds are matched by $200,000 in local funds.
Yakima County - $275,000 loan to the Port of Sunnyside for infrastructure construction in the Midvale Rail Industrial Park providing access and infrastructure for the relocation of an existing business from downtown Sunnyside. The project would also provide access to two, 2-acre site-ready lots in the park. As a result of this project, 5.3 jobs are expected to be created. The project is matched by $275,000 in local funds.
"Tools like CERB help Washington businesses succeed, supporting jobs and helping our state stay competitive even during tough economic times," said Rogers Weed, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. "CERB's dedication to helping communities around Washington is vital to our state's economy."
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.
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.
CERB receives management services from the Washington State Department of Commerce. For more information on the Department of Commerce, visit www.commerce.wa.gov.
Local contacts:
Wanda Keefer, Manager, Port of Clarkston, 509.758.5272
Larry Bellamy, City Administrator, City of Goldendale, 509.773.3771
Steven Powell, President, Odessa Public Development Authority, 509.988.1001
The Port of Clarkston received word from the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB) that its proposed recreational dock will receive construction funding of $347,000. This dock project includes 120' dock plus amenities such as ADA pathways, parking, and lighting. Cost for this phase of the project is estimated at $500,000. As a future improvement, the Port hopes to construct amphitheatre style seating facing the water to accommodate viewers watching boating, wakeboard, and sailing competitions on the water, as well as other events such as music.
The Port has referred to the dock as a "transient" dock, distinguishing it from a marina which would allow long-term stays. It is primarily designed for day use, although a limited amount of space could be used for limited overnight stays. The Port is seeking community input on whether overnight stays should be allowed. Community members are encouraged to attend a regularly scheduled meeting to offer input.
Because the project is on and near the water, it has to go through rigorous permitting. All permitting is expected to be finalized April 2009, after which construction on the dock itself can begin. The construction assistance is the second time RCFB has helped with this dock; the state agency also provided a planning grant.
- • Deliver property, facilities, and infrastructure that encourage private investment, create wealth for constituents, create family wage jobs, diversify and stabilize the local economy, and create a sustainable environment.
- • Play a leadership role in ensuring that waterfronts are vibrant, active centerpieces for the communities in the locality and partner on improving other tourism and recreation opportunities.
- • Preserve and better the quality of life for the citizens of Asotin County.
