03.12.22

Cantwell Announces $14 Million for Southwest Washington Included in Omnibus Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that 40 grants for grassroots programs she supported in Washington state are included in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, sending a total of $51.7 million to the state. Of those, 10 projects were included for Southwest Washington, sending a total of $14,067,000 to the region. The bill also includes billions in nationwide investments that are likely to benefit Washingtonians.

The House passed the Omnibus appropriations bill Wednesday, and the Senate passed it yesterday evening. It now goes to President Biden’s desk. 

Notably, the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes funding for the Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion (IRCE) Track Expansion project at the Port of Longview. Senator Cantwell said, "Solving our supply chain challenges demands new infrastructure to move freight efficiently. That’s why the Port of Longview's rail expansion project will deliver new on-dock rail capacity, the number one thing port customers in Washington are asking for to move their goods quickly. This investment is a big step forward for the local trade economy, helping meet existing rail needs while planning for future expansion."

Below is a table of all Southwest Washington projects that received funding in the H.R. 2471, FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill. A comprehensive press release on all Washington projects is available HERE. A list of all Washington state projects is available HERE. The full bill text is available HERE.

Project Name

City

Amount Received

Description

Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion (IRCE) Track Expansion project at the Port of Longview

Longview

$2.5 million

The Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion (IRCE) project will build on the original two track Industrial Rail Corridor by constructing a six-track bed adjacent to the current corridor, adding two 8,500’ tracks and increasing the lengths of its existing two tracks from 7,500’ to 8,500’ to accommodate full-length unit trains.

Dylan Jude Harrell DIPG Foundation Community Center

Ilwaco

$1.275 million

The center will consist of a 30,000 square foot multi-use turf fieldhouse, two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, and multiple spaces dedicated to youth programming.

Columbia River Turning Basin Navigation Improvements

Longview

$200,000

To conduct a feasibility study of the Columbia River Turning Basin. The intent of the study is to satisfy regulatory needs to authorize the Corps to widen and deepen the Longview Turning Basin

Curtain Creek Septic Elimination Program

Clark County

$800,000

This request seeks to accelerate elimination of septic systems in one of the District’s service area’s lower income neighborhoods and one of the greatest of environmental concern, while providing additional financial assistance to homeowners in greatest need.  Completion of the project will enable 72 properties to move away from their septic systems and connect to the community’s wastewater infrastructure.

Project FIRST (Fast Tracking Improvements to Reach Strategic Targets) Improvements to Vancouver SE 1st Street Corridor

Vancouver

$2.5 million

Project FIRST will enhance safety and provide multimodal access in a critical area of Vancouver, WA.

Community Policing Crisis Intervention Team

Longview

$292,000

To provide funding for the Longview Police Department to hire two (2) mental health professionals as part of their Community Policing Crisis Intervention Team (CPCIT) program.

Body-Worn and In-Car Cameras

Vancouver

$1.5 million

To fund the City of Vancouver’s Police Camera Program to purchase body cameras and dash cameras.

Stevenson Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

City of Stevenson

$2.5 million

Involves upgrading and expanding the wastewater treatment plant in response to the Administrative Order by the WA State Department of Ecology. These improvements are necessary to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Clark College Advanced Manufacturing Center

Vancouver

$1.5 million

To equip Clark College’s new Advanced Manufacturing Center with technology and equipment for training in computer science, robotics and AI, manufacturing, clean energy engineering, and material science careers.

Veteran Housing and Resource Center

Raymond

$1 million

To renovate the American Legion Building into affordable housing units and an area for onsite supportive services to low-income veterans in need.

 

Senator Cantwell toured the Port of Longview in August 2021 and held a roundtable discussion on the need for the Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion Track Expansion project.

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