OLYMPIA—The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $2,005,000 in low-interest loans and $1,170,000 in grants for economic development, public infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies targeting business growth, job creation and broadband development in eight rural communities across the state. Projects awarded funding are in the following counties:

Walla Walla County received funding for two projects:

$50,000 grant to the City of College Place for a planning study for the city-owned Flex Light-Industrial Building. This is a feasibility study examining three sites to determine the appropriate location, size, costs and specifications for a flexible light-industrial structure that would be owned by the city. CERB funds are matched by $16,667 in local resources.

$35,000 grant to the Port of Walla Walla for the “Walla Walla County Broadband Feasibility Study.” This study will evaluate opportunities to develop last-mile connections to existing infrastructure and to identify locations that do not have adequate infrastructure to serve the communities and industries throughout the county. CERB funds are matched by $15,000 in local resources.

Learn more about CERB at www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb.

City of College Place: Mike Rizzitiello, City Administrator, (509) 394-8506, mrizzitiello@ci.college-place.wa.us

Port of Walla Walla: Patrick Reay, Executive Director, (509) 525-3100, pr@portwallawalla.com