Washington apples and timber are getting a boost this year thanks to $700,000 in state funds and three corresponding private investments totaling $102 million.
Governor Bob Ferguson directed the Washington State Department of Commerce to make three awards totaling $700,000 from the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund, which will result in at least 270 new jobs in two of the state’s most critical industries.
The Yakima County Development Association received $250,000 to improve site readiness at a new Manzana Products Company apple products processing plant in Sunnyside.
The Clallam County Economic Development Council will use $200,000 to make infrastructure improvements at the Forks Industrial Park. Riverside Forest Products USA is developing a sawmilling facility at the site.
And Greater Spokane Incorporated received $250,000 to help expand a manufacturing facility in Spokane Valley, where Mercer Mass Timber LLC is building an additional assembly space for secondary manufacturing.
Revenue for the Strategic Reserve Fund comes from unclaimed lottery prize money. The funds are intended to attract and retain jobs and economic investment in Washington, limited to highly strategic projects that deliver significant job creation and capital investment. The projects were considered in partnership with local associate development organizations, and they must be accompanied by private investment. The Governor determines awards based on recommendations from the Department of Commerce.
