Updates on Efforts to Create More Economic Opportunities in Our Region
Hello Folks –
I hope you all enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday last week! I attended a pancake breakfast, three parades, and a fireworks show (which I got to view from the deck of the USS Momsen). It was a full day – but a lot of fun! As summer gets into the swing of things, it’s full steam ahead for me. There’s a lot to cover so let’s jump right in.
An Update on a New Program to Help Communities
Having grown up on the Olympic Peninsula, I saw some of the challenges our region faced when the timber industry took it on the chin. While some parts of our country have enjoyed amazing economic growth, others have struggled. I don’t want any community to have to worry that their region’s main export will be its young people. And every American should have a shot economically – no matter what zip code they live in.
That’s why I introduced the RECOMPETE Act a few years ago – to provide flexible, multi-year grants to help economically distressed communities create new jobs and unlock opportunities. That bill was included – in pilot form – in the CHIPS & Science Act that passed into law last year.
I’m excited to share that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced its Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Recompete Pilot Program, with $200 million available to communities on the Olympic peninsula and throughout the country. The Notice of Funding Opportunity can be found here.
The Recompete Pilot Program is more than just another policy initiative. It’s a beacon of hope for communities that have been overlooked. Designed specifically for regions that are considered “economically distressed” by the EDA – those where employment among 25- to 54-year-olds lags behind the national average – the Recompete Pilot Program aims to revitalize economic activity in distressed communities, including right here in Western Washington.
Applications will be rolling out soon, and I’m partnering with leaders throughout our region to make sure they’re ready to go.
These competitive grants will help distressed communities meet local economic development goals and create good-paying jobs … and I’m hoping we’ll see the benefits throughout our region.
Investing in Our Neck of the Woods
Just last week, I welcomed U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to our state to discuss our ferry system and to highlight recent investments in major infrastructure projects across Western Washington.
This recent visit by Secretary Buttigieg focused on the increasing need to help get people where they need to go. And it’s important to me to ensure that the cost of improving and maintaining these vital components of our infrastructure doesn’t fall solely on the backs of folks in our neck of the woods.
To that end – I have some great news! At the end of last month, we learned that the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has meant real results for our region. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded not one, not two, but three RAISE Grants in our region:
The Port of Bremerton received a RAISE grant for $9.4 million. This grant will be used to replace a 48-year-old public breakwater, which spans approximately 1,500 feet, along the Port Orchard waterfront.
A RAISE grant for $16.13 million was awarded for the Puget Sound to Pacific proposal. This funding will be used to plan and design approximately 34 active transportation components, addressing approximately 100 miles of gaps, community connections, and safety improvements for multi-use trails connecting Bainbridge Island on Puget Sound to the Pacific Coast.
The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe received a RAISE grant for $25 million. This grant will be used to replace the Big Quilcene River bridge on Linger Longer Road. The new bridge will have pedestrian infrastructure and will also replace flood-prone segments of Linger Longer Road.
These are investments in the future of our region’s economy and in growing jobs. From reinforcing port infrastructure, to connecting communities from Puget Sound to the Pacific Coast, to protecting our Tribal communities from climate change and rising sea levels, these federal investments are a big deal. Having the federal government provide this grant funding means we will see improvements across our region without the cost being borne entirely by taxpayers in our neck of the woods. That’s a huge win for our region.
Out and About from Mountains to Sound
I recently visited Port Orchard along with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller to highlight the Bay Street Project and the effort to clean up the waterfront in Port Orchard. Just last month, the EPA announced that the Port of Bremerton had received a grant for $800,000 for the further assessment and cleanup of a brownfield site recently identified for remediation and redevelopment.
The fact that the federal government is investing in Port Orchard means environmental cleanup, and economic opportunity, and the project can move forward without the cost solely being borne by taxpayers locally. This is a big win for our region. EPA dollars for projects in Port Orchard aren’t just investments in environmental cleanup – they're investments in the health, well-being, and prosperity of our region.
And speaking of federal dollars … Everybody who lives in Port Angeles knows how important Hurricane Ridge is, not just for locals, but what it means for our local economy and bringing people to the community. Like many others who grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, I hold cherished memories of time spent on Hurricane Ridge.
Sadly, Hurricane Ridge was closed for several weeks following the fire that burned down the day lodge. To see a location that I had become so familiar with throughout my childhood and adult years reduced to a pile of ash was staggering. I recently visited Hurricane Ridge when it reopened to the public. That’s an important step forward.
Having said that, we’ve got a lot of work to do to replace the iconic lodge. Alongside my colleagues Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, I am working hard with the National Park Service to get things open and offer our support through the appropriations process to make sure that the resources are available to rebuild.
Working for You
Investing in the Arts
I recently had the chance to visit Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles, the newest and most significant arts, entertainment, and special events facility found anywhere in our region. The venue will host local, regional, national, and international music and performance artists in its 500-seat auditorium.
Spending Time with Our Sailors
It was awesome ending my 4th with Commander Ryan Downing, Rebecca Wolf, and the crew aboard the USS Momsen. I’m grateful for their service.
Celebrating Tacoma Pride
The Tacoma Pride event on Saturday was a total blast! It was incredible to see so many people coming together to support equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
OK – that’s it for now, folks. As always, I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek Kilmer