Port of Chehalis receives $100,000 grant to prepare 'shovel ready' commercial site

Nov. 17—The Port of Chehalis has received a $100,000 grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to pre-develop 25 acres of land at the Bishop Road Commercial Site.

In a Wednesday news release, the CERB announced the grant was part of $3.3 million in awards to three projects throughout the state. According to the CERB, the funds will promote economic development and business growth.

According to the CERB, the $100,000 grant is matched by $25,000 in "local resources."

"Increased economic vitality is the outcome of a significant collaboration between CERB and local communities. The economic, cultural, and geographic variety of our state is reflected in these projects. The Board is happy to work with each of these communities to establish long-term employment in the private sector," CERB Chair Michael Echanove said in a statement.

The project includes preparing "shovel-ready" commercial sites for green energy and manufacturing sites.

Additionally, the Spokane Conservation District received a $1.2 million loan to construct a local food hub and commercial kitchen, matched by $1.05 million in local, state, and private resources.

The Port of Whitman County received a $2 million grant for the Hunga Dunga Brewing production facility, which includes a 12,000-square-foot facility and kitchen space. The project is matched by $500,000 in private resources.

Since 1982, the CERB has contributed $243.8 million to jurisdictions across the state, which has generated 39,000 jobs and $6.3 billion in private capital investments.

The project funds are contingent on the applicants completing specific pre-contract requirements, according to the release.