OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board today approved $10 million in low interest loans and $75,000 in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to spur business growth and job creation in communities throughout the state. One of the recipients is the Port of Whitman County, which was approved for a $5 million loan for the “Biotechnology Ag Campus” project to acquire an approximately 100-acre property and begin site preparation for the construction of a biodiesel facility.
“The county’s Committed Private Partner, AgTech OS, is investing $1.25 million in the private project that is expected to create an estimated 44 jobs. CERB funds are matched by $32.5 million in local resources,” the Board says.
Among the other supported projects is a new Darigold, Incorporated butter and protein powder production facility in Pasco that is slated to open early next year and represents the largest investment in Darigold history.
“The new plant will have the capacity to process approximately eight million pounds of milk per day from more than 100 local dairy farms. Upgrades to the City of Pasco’s 25-year old Process Water Reuse Facility will incorporate conservation strategies and new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the capability to mitigate more than 300,000 metric tons of CO2 annually,” a press release says.
Darigold is investing $500 million in the project, which is expected to create an estimated 198 jobs. CERB funds are matched by $130 million in local resources.
Other recipients:
- King County – $50,000 grant to the City of Carnation for a feasibility study to explore the potential for establishing a Snoqualmie Valley Small Business Incubator. CERB funds are matched by $12,500 in local resources.
- Kittitas County – $25,000 grant to the Ellensburg Business Development Authority (dba CenterFuse) for a feasibility study to identify and assess artist production and performance space needs and availability. CERB funds are matched by $12,500 in local resources.
“CERB projects represent an important partnership between the state and local communities resulting in enhanced economic vitality. CERB’s mission of creating jobs and building sustainable economies statewide is vital to Washington. The Board is pleased to collaborate with each of these communities by investing in their economic future,” CERB Chair Michael Echanove says.
“From the creative economy and small businesses to innovative clean technology projects, these latest CERB investments highlight the incredible diversity of economic growth opportunities that are strengthening rural communities across Washington state,” according to Washington Commerce Director Lisa Brown.
From 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. If you are a Washington local government or federally recognized Tribe and have project ideas, please reach out to Janea Stark.
Since 1982, CERB has committed more than $230 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment generating more than 39,000 jobs, and private capital investment of $6.3 billion – a $29-to-$1 return on CERB investments. Read the 2022 CERB Legislative Report (Box .pdf) to learn more.
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.
