Kilmer Secures Millions in New Federal Funding for Clallam County
Community Project Funding Will Support Port Angeles Waterfront Center, Housing for Makah Tribe, Affordable Homes in Sequim
CLALLAM COUNTY, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced $2.6 million in new federal funding to support community projects in Clallam County. The funding was passed with bipartisan support in the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Biden. The funding includes:
- $1 million for the Port of Port Angeles’s Waterfront Center project
- $800,000 for the Makah Indian Tribe’s Duplex Housing for Essential Workers on the Makah Reservation project
- $800,000 for the Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Brownfield Road Project Sequim
Port of Port Angeles’s Waterfront Center project
The Field Hall at the Port Angeles Waterfront Center is a vital addition to the Port Angeles community, as the city has lacked adequate facilities for large public gatherings and important events. The federal grant aims to not only help complete the construction of Field Hall but also serve as an investment in the economic and social well-being of the Port Angeles community.
The center is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the local economy, generating over $10 million in annual sales and services, creating over 300 permanent jobs, and contributing over $500,000 in additional state and local taxes. PAWC’s partnership with Peninsula College will also provide opportunities for internships, community service events, and access to employment opportunities, leadership training, and community service alternatives for young people.
“Field Hall is poised to transform the Port Angeles waterfront, not only as a premier venue for public gatherings and events but also as a catalyst for economic growth and community development,” said Rep. Kilmer. “With these federal funds, our community is on the brink of completing a project that will create jobs, generate significant economic activity, and provide invaluable educational opportunities in partnership with Peninsula College. And with federal funding, it means that the costs of the facility won’t solely be borne by folks in Clallam County. This is an investment in the future vibrancy and resilience of our community.”
“The City of Port Angeles is so grateful to have the support of Representative Kilmer and his staff to ensure that our community members, visitors, and future generations will have access to the cultural diversity and amenities of the Port Angeles Waterfront Center Campus,” said Kate Dexter, Mayor, City of Port Angeles. “The entire campus and Field Hall Building is already enhancing the quality of life for?businesses, residents, and visitors. We want to thank Derek for his continued support of Port Angeles and all of the work he does for our community.”
“The Port is pleased to see this important community project move forward,” said Connie Beauvis, Commission President, Port of Port Angeles. “Over the past several years, the Port Angeles Waterfront Center has made a significant impact in Port Angeles with the construction of the Field Arts & Events Hall. This new state-of-the-art meeting and performance space is an exciting new chapter for a formerly Port-owned property in the heart of our downtown district. The site was once used to support the timber industry, and it now provides a much-needed cultural and development hub on the waterfront for area residents and visitors alike. We’re thankful for all the work Representative Kilmer has done to champion this effort for our community, and we look forward to the events and economic opportunities this project will bring!”
Makah Indian Tribe’s Duplex Housing for Essential Workers on the Makah Reservation Project
The Makah Tribe will receive $800,000 for a new duplex housing project that aims to increase housing on the reservation. In recent years, the Tribe has identified a critical need for on-reservation housing to address the chronic shortage that impacts not only tribal families, but also the recruitment and retention of essential professional staff for the Sophie Trettevick Indian Health Center (Clinic), Neah Bay Public Safety (NBPS), and other departments. To address this issue, the Tribe has completed planning and design for six duplexes using tribal hard dollars and identified a plot of Makah-owned land for construction. The new funding would be used exclusively for materials and construction.
The housing project supports healthcare, education, and public safety systems on the remote Makah Reservation while also promoting equity by addressing health disparities and access issues faced by American Indians. It will alleviate the housing shortage, support job creation, and retention, and contribute to coastal resilience and emergency preparedness goals. Furthermore, the project is shovel-ready and will generate rental revenue for long-term maintenance and management. The construction of these duplexes will directly support at least twelve essential worker positions on the Makah Reservation, particularly benefiting the expanded and relocated clinic. The project also has a revenue-generating component, providing economic benefits for both the community and the state.
“The Makah Tribe’s duplex housing project is a strategic initiative aimed at resolving the critical housing shortage on the Makah Reservation, thereby ensuring the retention and recruitment of essential workers in healthcare, public safety, and education,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This project not only addresses vital community needs but will stand as an example of sustainable development for the Tribe.”
“This project will support the healthcare, public safety and education in our remote community by ensuring that we have reliable and long-term staff who have access to local housing,” said Timothy Greene, Chairman, Makah Tribe. “Our housing shortage directly impacts the Tribe’s ability to hire and retain other essential professional staff such as Neah Bay Public Safety teachers for Cape Flattery School District and medical professionals at the Sophie Trettevick Indian Health Center. All of these roles rely on long-term community relationships and an understanding of social and cultural context to be successful, making staff retention critical. We appreciate Representative Kilmer’s heart for these issues and ability to deliver resources that improve the viability of our communities.”
Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Brownfield Road Project Sequim
Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County will receive $800,000 for the Brownfield Road Project in Sequim. The project aims to help address the critical need for affordable workforce housing on the Olympic Peninsula by launching a project to build 42 homes, aiming to create a thriving economy and a strong community foundation. The funding aims to go towards infrastructure development, including roads, sidewalks, lighting, and utility connections. The Brownfield Road project is slated to have its infrastructure completed by the end of 2024, with home construction beginning in early 2025.
By providing affordable workforce housing, the initiative will enable critical community workers, emergency responders, and other essential staff to reside in the same communities they serve. In addition to the direct benefits to families and communities, Habitat Clallam’s investments in construction and operations will stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and generate demand in the broader economy. The project will utilize local contractors and businesses for infrastructure development and home construction, creating a positive ripple effect in local and regional economies. The lasting impact of this project will extend beyond the construction of homes, strengthening communities and the economy for years to come.
“We all know we need more housing that people can afford. The Brownfield Road Project is a step forward for affordable workforce housing on the Olympic Peninsula, promising not just homes but the foundation of a thriving community,” said Rep, Kilmer. “This project embodies a strategic investment in our community, supporting the individuals and families who will call these houses their homes.”
“The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe fully supports the Brownfield Road project in Sequim,” said W. Ron Alen, Chairman/CEO, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. “The Olympic Peninsula, like many areas in America, urgently needs to generate affordable housing opportunities to reduce the high eviction rates and increase household financial stability. Working families spend over 30-40% of their income on housing and their take-home check is severely impacted by the rising cost of essential living expenses. We believe that to have a healthy and thriving community, we must find ways to provide affordable housing for our young families in search of their first homes. This project targets that urgent need.”
“I am wholeheartedly in support of Habitat Clallam's initiative to address the critical need for affordable workforce housing on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Brandon Janisse, Mayor, City of Sequim. “This project is about building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone can call home. The overwhelming community support behind this project is a testament to the community’s shared values and commitment to making sure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing. This project not only fulfills a pressing societal need but also fuels economic growth and fosters community resilience. Every dollar that is allocated to this project is an investment in our shared future. I am honored to be a part of this endeavor and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community for many years to come.”
“Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County is incredibly grateful to receive this funding opportunity for our Sequim Ave project, where we plan to build 50 affordable housing units for home ownership,” said Colleen Robinson, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County. “Without the support and collaboration of many key stakeholders a community project like this would not come to fruition. Rep. Kilmer has been a Habitat Champion for many years and our Habitat Affiliate is honored to receive this funding because we believe through shelter we empower and strengthen our community.”
“Clallam County EDC wholeheartedly supports Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County (HFHCC) in their effort to provide affordable housing options to our community with the development of the Brownfield Road Project,” said Colleen McAleer, Executive Director, Clallam County EDC. “Clallam County has ranked as one of the least affordable places to buy a home in the state according to the affordability index published by the University of Washington's Center for Real Estate Research. While we may not be alone in the housing crisis, our rural community has been particularly hard hit by it. HFHCC plays an integral role in our ability to improve the lives of our residents, and Clallam County EDC proudly supports HFHCC's effort to address these issues.”
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