Port of Chehalis Secures Additional $4.12 Million Congressional Appropriation for Southwest Washington Grain Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chehalis, WA – 4/12/2024 – The Port of Chehalis is pleased to announce the additional allocation of $4,116,279 in federal funding, providing a substantial boost to the ongoing Southwest Washington Grain Project. This additional funding is thanks to efforts on behalf of the Port of Chehalis by Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from Washington’s third district. This investment is one of 15 Community Funding Projects championed by Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and included in the first package of 2024 spending bills and signed into law on Saturday, March 9th.
Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “By bringing home over $21 million in federal funding, we’re investing in 15 much-needed projects that will make an incredible difference in communities across Southwest Washington. From strengthening clean water systems that keep folks healthy, to building infrastructure farmers and fishermen rely on, to getting the equipment necessary for rural public safety and trades programs – these investments are the nuts and bolts of how government can serve the people,”
The Port of Chehalis, in collaboration with regional producers and partners, has long recognized the need for the Southwest Washington Grain Project. Agriculture holds deep generational and cultural significance to Lewis County, with many producers representing the third or fourth generation working on family-owned farms. Yet, challenges such as flooding, natural disasters, loss of processing facilities, and inadequate infrastructure have persisted for years.
In response, the Port of Chehalis, along with the Northwest Agriculture Business Center and other stakeholders, initiated the Southwest Washington Grain Project. This project, conceived after a comprehensive regional feasibility study conducted by Washington State University Extension in 2018, aims to establish a rail transload and aggregate storage facility within the Port of Chehalis’ Industrial Park in Lewis County, Washington.
“We’re grateful for Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s efforts in securing this funding, which will further the development of the Southwest Washington Grain Project,” said Lindsey Senter, CEO of the Port of Chehalis. “This investment will not only benefit local farmers and growers but will also stimulate economic growth and job creation in our community.”
The additional $4.12 million in congressional appropriation, combined with the previously secured funding through a $3.14 million grant from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) and $1.75 million awarded through the Washington State capital budget in 2020, will bolster the construction of the facility, enabling the storage and efficient transportation of crops to regional buyers, many of whom rely on rail transport.
For more information about the Port of Chehalis please visit https://portofchehalis.com.
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Port of Chehalis Media Contact
PORT OF CHEHALIS
360.748.9365
info@portofchehalis.com
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