The CERB approved $2,250,000 in low-interest loans and $750,000 in grants for economic development, and public infrastructure development targeting business growth and job creation in Douglas County.
A huge chunk of the money involves matching funds, and a “committed private partner” for the East Wenatchee Sewer District.
Per the CERB folks, that “committed private partner” is Microsoft Corporation, dumping $50 million into potential infrastructure projects.
“A big congratulations to the East Wenatchee Water District for its recent Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) grant. The CERB program has enjoyed broad, bipartisan support in Olympia for its important economic development and public infrastructure loans and grants,” said Hawkins in an exclusive interview with the Quad City Herald.
“Washington State and the entire United States has a long list of infrastructure needs. The Wenatchee Valley and North Central Washington are no exceptions. This $2,250,000 loan and the $750,000 grant to the East Wenatchee Water District will be very helpful for domestic water and fire protection. These opportunities have broad public benefits.
Our region is grateful to the CERB program and the Department of Commerce for its support. This loan and grant to the East Wenatchee Water District along with $4 million funding I sponsored for the Douglas County Sewer District for its Wenatchi Landing sewer extension, now completed, are fantastic opportunities to improve our local infrastructure for future economic development,” concluded Hawkins, an East Wenatchee resident who also represents part of Grant and Okanogan counties as well as all of Chelan County.
Here is the gist of the award per a CERB news release:
Douglas County – $2,250,000 loan and $750,000 grant to the East Wenatchee Water District for the “10th Street Domestic Water Booster Pump Station” project. This project consists of construction of a 1,600 square foot dual zone domestic water booster pump station for domestic water and fire protection.
“The District’s Committed Private Partner, Microsoft Corporation, is investing $50,000,000 in the private project which is expected to create an estimated 60 high-tech information and communications technology jobs within five years,” per the news release, but Microsoft was not able to elaborate by press deadline.
CERB funds are matched by $12,500,000 in private resources.
“The Community Economic Revitalization Board is dedicated to helping communities across the state develop the infrastructure to attract, retain and grow businesses and jobs. This investment will have a positive economic impact at a time when it is needed the most,” said CERB Chair Randy Hayden.
“This project is one example of the innovative partnerships CERB is able to forge so we can strengthen economic opportunity in rural parts of our state,” said Washington State Commerce Director Lisa Brown.
“We appreciate all the work of our community partners in Douglas County to bring this project forward. Infrastructure plays a key role in keeping our communities and our economy strong,” she said.
As a disclaimer to the award, “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,” concludes the news release from last week.
Comment was requested from the East Wenatchee Sewer District, but as of press deadline has not yet been received.
For more information: East Wenatchee Water District: Vince Johnston, General Manager, 509-884 3569, vjohnston@ewwd.org.
The CERB is Washington’s “strategic economic development resource,” and is focused on creating private sector jobs in partnership with local governments by financing infrastructure improvements, according to the agency’s website.
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. Go to: CERB at commerce.wa.gov/cerb for more information.
2020 CERB Legislative Report 2020 CERB Rural Broadband Legislative Report.
Managing Editor Gary Bégin can be emailed: Gary@NCWMedia.net. Comments will be reprinted as Letters to the Editor.
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