State Investment Will Boost Jobs, Economic Growth in Benton, Chelan, Cowlitz, Kitsap and Skagit counties
Tri-Cities Research District, one of Washington’s 11 new Innovation Partnership Zones, among the recipientsOLYMPIA, WA, November 28, 2007 – Governor Chris Gregoire today announced $2,056,256 in public investments to create new jobs and boost business growth across the state.
“We can help to build the economy of local communities by supporting key infrastructure improvements,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “These are sound investments in the future of our state.”
“Targeted local investment in public facilities is essential to building a foundation for successful and sustainable economic growth,” said Juli Wilkerson, Director of the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. “Our mission through CERB is to help local governments finance their vision for the future.”
The projects were approved for support at the Nov. 15 meeting of the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB).
In Benton County, CERB approved a $50,000 matching grant to the Port of Benton to assist with costs to complete a master plan and feasibility study of the Port’s 72-acre Richland Industrial Center. The center is located within the Tri-Cities Research District, a 1,600-acre area that is one of 11 Innovation Partnership Zones in Washington, recently named by Governor Gregoire. The emphasis of these zones is on innovative research, engineering and technology.
In Chelan County, CERB approved a $50,000 matching grant to the Port of Chelan County to assist with costs to complete a feasibility and planning study for future development of the 32-acre former Cashmere Mill site, located within the Cashmere urban area.
In Cowlitz County, CERB approved a $600,000 loan and a $400,000 grant to the Port of Woodland to assist with the cost of constructing a 17,250-square foot industrial building in the Schurman Way Industrial Park. The building will be leased to Custom Manufacturing and Design, LLC, a custom welding and fabrication business, and will support retention of the business in Washington as well as future expansion. Custom Manufacturing and Design will keep 29 existing jobs and create 16 future full-time jobs.
In Kitsap County, CERB approved a $400,000 loan and a $155,400 grant to the Port of Bremerton to assist with the cost of constructing a 2,550-foot waterline to support the retention and expansion of Palmer Marine, LLC, a manufacturer of recreational boats. Palmer Marine will construct a new manufacturing facility to meet the company’s current and future growth needs. They will keep 30 existing jobs and create 30 future full-time jobs.
In Skagit County, CERB approved a $100,856 loan and a $300,000 grant to the Town of Hamilton to assist with the cost of constructing a 290,000-gallon water reservoir and approximately 4,000 feet of waterline to support the expansion of Janicki Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of custom fiberglass and composite fiber tooling for the marine and aerospace industries. Janicki Industries will construct a new manufacturing facility that will support the creation of 288 new full-time jobs in Hamilton.
“CERB is designed to respond to emergent business development needs for public infrastructure and provide long-range feasibility planning to help communities plan for future business development,” said Tom Trulove, chairperson of CERB.
The release of funds to these projects is contingent upon each applicant completing specific requirements, such as finalizing other funding sources and obtaining the necessary permits.
