Sen. Warnick and Rep. Dent request Capital funding for Basin projects

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick and Rep. Tom Dent have submitted Capital Budget funding requests during the 2016 Washington State Legislative Session for two economic development and infrastructure projects in Grant County.

In particular, Sen. Warnick and Rep. Dent have requested Capital Budget funding for the Quincy Valley Business and Conference Center Project in Quincy and the Industrial Park No. 5 Infrastructure Improvement Project in George.

Part of the request is for $1 million to help the Port of Quincy create a multi-use business & conference center facility in Quincy. It would support meetings, conferences and educational and job training opportunities for the residents and businesses in Quincy and surrounding areas.

The second part is $500,000 to help the City of George to construct a new street, and expand an existing potable water system and an existing domestic sanitary sewer system. The ultimate goal is to improve infrastructure for three new businesses that want to locate in George.

“Given the strong economic, tourism and business growth that has occurred in Quincy over the past few years as a result of the many companies and wineries that have located in the area, there is a critical need for a modern, state-of-the-art conference and meeting facility,” Port President Curt Morris said.

The Port of Quincy has already acquired two adjacent buildings in Quincy. If the funding request is successful, the Port plans to connect the two buildings, and renovate and upgrade the interior and exterior of both buildings.

The would allow the Port to create a state-of-the-art meeting and conference center with high speed fiber optics, energy efficient lighting, wireless internet connectivity, new HVAC & A/V systems, flexible wall panels & acoustical ceilings, modern kitchen & bathroom facilities, outside digital reader board, repaved parking lot and better exterior lighting.

At George, the potential three new businesses would create approximately 165 new jobs and provide millions of dollars of private sector investment into the Grant County economy. The total estimated cost for these street and infrastructure improvements in George is $1,200,000.

In addition to the $500,000, the City of George has sought or is seeking funding from a number of other sources including the Grant County Strategic Infrastructure Program, the State Community Economic Revitalization Board, and the Community Development Block Grant Economic Opportunity Grant Program.

Industrial Park No. 5 is north of Interstate 90 and west of State Route 281 and within the City of George’s corporate limits.