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Economy

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $2.25 million in five counties

Washington State Department of Commerce   May 18, 2018  

The Washington State Department of Commerce provided the following press release. 

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved $2.25 million in loans and grants for public infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies targeting business growth and job creation in the cities of Othello, Stevenson and College Place and the ports of Moses Lake, Royal Slope and Shelton.

“CERB projects represent an important partnership between the state and local communities resulting in enhanced economic vitality,” said CERB Chair Randy Hayden. “The board is pleased to collaborate with each of these communities to help with planning for future economic development.”

  • Adams County – $50,000 grant to the City of Othello for the Industrial Water Treatment Feasibility Plan. This is a feasibility study to explore the potential for industrial wastewater treatment within the city’s water sustainability vision, including the various uses of discharge, treatment alternatives to achieve the projected uses, cost of treatment alternatives, funding scenarios and regulatory requirements. CERB funds were matched by $41,000 in local resources.
  • Grant County – $50,000 grant to the Port of Moses Lake for the Industrial Park Feasibility Study. This is a feasibility study to evaluate a conceptual 2,086-acre industrial park on the west side of the port’s airport. CERB funds were matched by $16,667 in local resources.
  • Grant County – $50,000 grant to the Port of Royal Slope for the Development of Land for Industrial Park Plan. This is a master plan for 400 acres adjacent to the industrial park. The plan will include wetland delineation; long plat or binding site plan – determining the location of the roads, waterline, power line and rail spurs; SEPA/NEPA; and a feasibility study for a wastewater treatment plant. CERB funds were matched by $16,667 in local resources.
  • Mason County – $1.5 million loan and $50,000 grant to the Port of Shelton for the Belco Forest Products Building Expansion project. The project consists of construction of a 30,000-square-foot warehouse building, including stormwater improvements, major electrical improvements, and a fire sprinkler system. The committed private partner, Belco Forest Products, will invest $750,000, retaining 30 jobs and creating 38 jobs as a result of this project. CERB funds were matched by $500,000 in local resources.
  • Skamania County – $50,000 grant to the City of Stevenson for the Stevenson Snakebite Facility Study. This is a feasibility study to develop a comprehensive, long-term approach to resolve the city’s lack of wastewater capacity. CERB funds were matched by $16,667 in local resources.
  • Walla Walla County – $50,000 grant to the City of College Place for the South College Place Planning Study. This is a feasibility study to determine if light industrial (food processing or wine production) would be a conducive use of over 60 acres of land near SR 125 from Meadowbrook Drive to Old Milton Highway. CERB funds were matched by $16,667 in local resources.

The release of CERB funds to these projects is contingent on each applicant completing specific pre-contract requirements that include finalizing other funding sources and obtaining necessary permits.

Since 1982, CERB has committed nearly $163 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment generating more than 35,000 jobs, and private capital investment of a $5.6 billion ($34 to $1) return on CERB investment.

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.  CERB is staffed by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Learn more about CERB at www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb.

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