Community Economic Revitalization Board Approves Funding for Projects in Seven Counties

The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $412,500 in public investments for infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies targeting business growth and job creation. Funds were approved for the Port of Othello, City of Chelan, Quileute Tribal Council, City of Aberdeen, Port District of South Whidbey, Fort Worden Public Development Authority and City of Arlington.

Adams County – $150,000 loan to the Port of Othello for the construction of phase 1 at the Bruce Industrial site.  Phase 1 will loop a 12” water main around the 42.8 acre site.  As a result of this project, 50 jobs are expected to be created. The project will allow the Port to provide shovel-ready parcels in the industrial park.   CERB funds are matched by $150,000 in local resources.

Chelan County – $22,500 grant to Chelan County for a feasibility study to develop a Chelan Municipal Airport Domestic Water Extension plan.  The study is to consider the extension of water service for airport improvements, and the potential of economic development in the area.  CERB funds are matched by $7,500 in local resources.

Clallam County – $45,000 grant to the Quileute Tribal Council for a feasibility study to develop a broadband access plan.  The study will help address the need for expanded broadband communications and internet services to the remote Quileute Reservation and other tribal properties.  CERB funds are matched by $15,000 in local resources.

Grays Harbor County – $50,000 grant to the City of Aberdeen for a feasibility study to develop the Gateway Center Redevelopment project.  The study is for a combination visitor and enterprise center plan.  The 'Gateway Center Project' is a combination visitor information/enterprise center that will meet the targeted urban development goals and the county's tourism vision.   CERB funds are matched by $16,667 in local resources.

Island County – $45,000 grant to the Port District of South Whidbey for a feasibility study to develop the Island County Fairgrounds Business and Marketing Plan.  The study is to develop a business and marketing plan for the fairgrounds.  The study will assist in determining potential economic development opportunities and targeted industries at the Fairgrounds, and will assist in assessing what resources would be needed to make those opportunities executable for the future.  CERB funds are matched by $135,000 in local resources.

Jefferson County – $50,000 grant to the Fort Worden Public Development Authority for a feasibility study to develop the Fort Worden Business Development Plan.  The study is to develop a business development plan that will guide operating and investment decisions about the future of the learning and conference center campus at Fort Worden.  CERB funds are matched by $16,500 in local resources.

Snohomish County – $50,000 grant to the City of Arlington for a feasibility study to develop the Arlington Valley Road plan and design.  The study is to assist the City with funding the planning and design phase of Arlington Valley Road.  The project will require several investigatory studies as well as design work.  CERB funds are matched by $125,000 in local resources.

“CERB is a valuable, cost-effective economic development tool for communities across the state, helping to support jobs and improve our state’s competitiveness for business growth and expansion,” said Brian Bonlender, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. “Since 1982, every public dollar invested by CERB has generated on average another 27 dollars from private sources.”

“CERB projects represent an important partnership between the state and local communities resulting in enhanced economic vitality,” said CERB Chair Steve Anderson.  “The projects approved for funding represent the economic, cultural, and geographic diversity of our state. These investments will have a positive economic impact at a time when it is needed the most.”

Recently the Board released the 2014 Biennial Legislative Report.  This report highlights the Board’s activities and successes during 2009-2013.  

Since 1982, CERB has committed nearly $206 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment generating more than 34,000 jobs and private capital investments of $5.7 billion.

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 http://www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb