12.23.22

Omnibus Bill Includes Funding for 9 Grassroots Projects in Central Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that 9 grants for grassroots projects in Central Washington she supported are included in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, securing nearly $15,000,000 for the region. The bill also includes billions in nationwide investments that are likely to benefit Washingtonians. Yesterday, the Senate passed the Omnibus by a vote of 68-29 and the House passed the Omnibus today by a vote of 225-201. It is now headed to the President’s desk for signature.

Central Washington - $14,596,000 total. Projects include:

Yakima County East-West Corridor – Yakima County: $2,500,000

This grant will help establish a new alternate connection between Terrace Heights, the City of Yakima, and I-82. When completed, the project will alleviate congestion at the adjacent Yakima Ave/I-82 interchange, provide a direct connection for freight and cargo to industrial areas on both sides of the river, provide an alternative route for commuter traffic, and ensure safe multi-modal transportation options.

Port of Pasco Reimann Last Mile Industrial Rail – Franklin County: $3,600,000

With this grant, the Port has committed to construct an industrial freight railroad spur that connects BNSF service to the 300-acre Reimann Industrial Center to serve future food processing and manufacturing companies anticipated to locate on the northern section of the Reimann Industrial Center.

HopeSource Teanaway Multi-Service Center – Kittitas County: $2,030,000

This grant will help construct a childcare facility that will include 50 seats of childcare, an expanded food bank, space for social services organizations, and a community gathering space.

Central Washington University Agribusiness Program Development – Kittitas County: $75,000

This grant will develop an Agribusiness higher education track at Central Washington University (CWU). This will help create three stackable certificates at CWU, which can be combined with General Education requirements or a 2-year transfer degree to earn a bachelor’s degree, focusing on specific areas needed in the Agribusiness workforce.

The full list of all 9 projects included for Central Washington is available HERE.

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