News in brief: The United States Department of Commerce is investing $3.1 million in a grain storage and rail transload facility at the Port of Chehalis, Washington, creating jobs and generating $3.4 million in private investment.
The United States Department of Commerce will invest $3.1 million in a new grain storage and rail transload facility at the Port of Chehalis in Washington state.
It is expected to create or retain more than 50 jobs and generate $3.4 million in private investment. The grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will be matched with $1.8 million in state and local funds.
The project is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which is investing $1.2 trillion in infrastructure projects across the country.
With the new facility, farmers in southwestern Washington can move their products to national and global markets. It will also create new opportunities for businesses in the region that support the agricultural industry.
US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, said that the investment will help boost economic growth in southwestern Washington and create good-paying jobs. Furthermore, she said the government is committed to supporting communities like Lewis County as they build back better.
The EDA grant is a vote of confidence in the future of Lewis County, Senator Patty Murray said, and it is expected to help more farmers grow barley and other crops. The project is expected to be completed in early 2024, according to a news report.
