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Legislature approves funding
for Port of Ephrata improvements
A list of public works
project loans approved by state lawmakers this week included $289,000
for critical road and sewer improvements at the Port of Ephrata. The
project is one of more than 60 statewide that will receive funding from
the state’s Public Works Trust Fund.
In their funding
application, port officials say the improvements will help retain 75
jobs with local businesses at the site.
“Infrastructure is a key
component for job creation in our local communities,” said Rep. Janéa
Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, who voted in favor of the funding measure on
the Capital Budget Committee and on the floor of the House. “Creating
jobs remains a top priority this session. We get a lot of attention for
things we do for Boeing and other high-profile employers. But the truth
is our small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. We need
to nurture our overall business climate and make sure all our employers
have the tools to compete and succeed. The Public Works Trust Fund is a
great resource for our local economies.”
“A lot of people in
Ephrata and the surrounding communities have worked long and hard to get
this project off the ground,” said
Rep.
Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum. “We all appreciate their efforts, and
as state lawmakers are pleased to approve the funding that will make the
project a reality – and help us keep 75 local jobs.”
In addition to the $289,000 in state funding, the Port of Ephrata will
contribute $51,000 to complete the $340,000 of needed improvements. The
funding will help construct 2,400 feet of sanitary sewer main, 200 feet
of side sewer pipe, eight manholes, and the rehabilitation of
approximately one mile of access roadway in the Port of Ephrata.
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For more information, contact:
John Handy, Assistant
Communications Director - (360) 786-5758
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