House Advances New Federal Funding to Expand Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma
Kilmer Leads Effort to Include $750,000 to Help Expansion Project
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed new funding that has been championed by U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) to assist with the expansion of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) in Tacoma. The expansion of the APCC aims to ensure they can meet the rising demand for their programs, including cultural, business, community outreach and youth programs to the Asian Pacific Islanders community and broader population in the South Sound.
“For over 20 years, the APCC has been doing tremendous work to give our region the opportunity to celebrate art, culture, education, and the vibrant diversity of our community,” said Rep. Kilmer. “The expansion of the APCC is a testament to the important, and growing, role that this cultural institution plays in the Pacific Northwest. And it’s why expanding their services is so critical. I’m thrilled that funding advanced by the House will help their expansion become a reality. I’ll keep working to get it signed into law.”
“This is absolutely GREAT news! Thank you, thank you, so very much Congressman Kilmer, you are always helping our community with a full heart. That's why we respect and honor you so much,” said Faaluaina Pritchard, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. “This award will move our fundraising efforts forward to be 69% confirmed - and will help build our very first AANHPI Home in Washington State - to be a Cultural Destination representing the great people of Asia and the South Pacific Islands.”
The Asian Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is the only type of facility of its kind in the Pacific Northwest – offering cultural and youth programs to not just the Asian Pacific Islanders (API) community, but to the broader South Sound population and beyond. Through a physical expansion to its home at South Park, the APCC aims to grow its current offerings through language education and foreign exchange programs, visual and performing art exhibits, business services for the local community, residential and commercial leasing, adult education, and youth educational and career guidance services. The expansion will add necessary amenities to the APCC, including a demonstration kitchen, cultural classrooms, Asian Pacific Islander library, office and conference rooms, and a large exhibition hall.
Economic development is also a critical component of the APCC’s work. Their facility is located in South Pierce County – where a significant portion of the small businesses are API-owned. The APCC provides assistance to businesses to overcome barriers, create jobs, and remain vital members of the local economy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the APCC worked with Pierce County officials to reach API residents on health issues, such as COVID-19 vaccines. In fact, during the pandemic, the APCC reportedly increased their services to provide space for drive-thru virus testing, and vaccination – where more than 2,500 people have been vaccinated. They have also redirected many of their volunteers to conduct outreach activities, to provide critical support to the community, and to distribute food and grocery gift cards twice a week to those in need.
Rep. Kilmer led the effort to secure funding for the project through the House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding process. The funding was included in H.R. 8294, a package of six fiscal year 2023 federal funding bills, which passed the House on July 20. The project is supported by Tacoma Public Schools.