Funding obtained for ports

OLYMPIA — Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, worked to obtain grants upgrading facilities at the Port of Moses Lake and the Port of Warden.

Warnick serves the Community Economic and Revitalization Board (CERB). The board awards funding to groups that can provide jobs and improve communities through new projects.

The Port of Moses Lake will receive a $1.5 million loan and a $500,000 grant to construct a new electrical substation, Warnick stated. More than $5 million was raised in private funds for the project.

The Port of Warden will receive a $1 million loan to upgrade grain silos for a new oilseed crush and biodiesel production facility, Warnick explained. About $3.2 million was raised in private and public funds for the project.

“I’m proud of our local communities for stepping up to the plate with their portion of funding,” she said. “There were many others who applied for this funding, and it’s too bad we can’t provide more grants and loans for worthwhile projects. This has been a proven way to create jobs in a recession, however, with potential funding cuts, our local communities job opportunities may be reduced in the future.”

Eligibility criteria to obtain the loans and grants was to have matching funds on hand.

— Staff report