Cantwell Helps Secure Economic Grant To Promote Local Business Growth And Development Through Infrastructure Investment

From a press release issued 9. 27. 16
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-helps-secure-economic-grant-to-promote-local-business-growth-and-development-through-infrastructure-investment

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the City of Oroville, Washington has been awarded by the Economic Development Administration Public Works Grant Program a grant in the amount of $839,784.

The grant will go towards funding critical road infrastructure that would enable businesses in the region to grow while attracting new industrial developments. The Department of Commerce estimates the investment will create 20 new jobs and save 136 more.

“This grant will help ensure Oroville continues to grow for years to come.  The investments will create jobs and economic opportunities in this important rural region of our state,” said Senator Cantwell.

The City of Oroville serves as the main hub for regional trade in northern Okanogan County. The EDA grant will support road improvements that will allow the expansion of Oroville Reman and Reload Lumber Mill, a manufacturer of wood products that ships over 48,000 board feet of lumber a year, and one of the City’s major employers.

Such investment in retaining existing businesses and attracting new ones is especially important to Oroville and the surrounding region, which has seen the recent departure of employers hamper its local economy.

“The Economic Alliance is pleased to hear about the City of Oroville’s success in obtaining the EDA grant for roadway infrastructure improvements to help support business expansion.  We thank Senator Cantwell for her support of local, county and regional organizations that helped make this project happen. These improvements will assist the Oroville Community in business retention and the expansion of current businesses as well as opportunities to recruit those businesses looking at relocating to areas such as the Oroville Industrial area,” said Roni Holder-Diefenbach, Executive Director of the Economic Alliance of Okanogan County.

The Economic Alliance, along with the North Central Washington Economic Development District board of directors, toured the site early last year to help both boards learn more about the individual communities and the diversity in the local economies.  This visit served as the nexus for this funding opportunity.

The grant approval comes after Cantwell, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter to the Economic Development Administration’s Seattle Regional Director Leonard Smith, in strong support of the City of Oroville’s application.

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