Good News for Grays Harbor! 

On Sunday, April 23rd the Washington State Legislature adjourned “sine die” which marks the end of the legislative session. As of this writing, the Legislature is being recalled for a special session to tackle some additional policy issues. 

During 2023 the Washington State Legislative Session, thanks in large part to our delegations from both the 19th and 24th Legislative Districts, Grays Harbor County was provided with outstanding public investment for projects that will make transformational economic and quality of life changes for residents. 

As of today, this is what we know received funding. Did I miss something? Drop me a line and let me know! 

  • The Aberdeen/Hoquiam Flood Protection Project received $35.5 million dollars which will provide the final allotment of funding for the long planned and essential project. 
  • The Highway 12 Rail Separation, a project that will alleviate the threat of being blocked by a train when trying to enter or exit the Olympic Gateway Plaza, received $72.6 million and this massive investment couldn’t come at a better time to compliment the growth at the Port of Grays Harbor.  In order to accommodate AGP’s increased and expanded operations, the Port of Grays Harbor will utilize their appropriated $3.5 million in capital budget funding to expand Terminal 4. 
  • But wait, there’s more! The City of Montesano received $1.6 million for timber acquisition for their urban forest and also received an incredibly important $700,000 to support the development of an economic development site that will be the future home of a large childcare facility. Last but not least, Grays Harbor County received $250,000 from the Historic Courthouse Fund to remodel and redesign the jail in the historic courthouse for new use. 

Economic development is a slow game. It takes leaders with long-term visions and staff to inform and sustain those visions over years, ensuring that goals and progress are met. This legislative session’s success is an example of sustained and focused determination. The volume of funding isn’t common and we have our current and past leaders to thank for today’s achievements. 

To learn more about the Washington State Legislative Session and U.S. Congressional updates join us at our Business Forum Luncheon on Tuesday, May 23rd. To register, click here. Registration closes May 16th at 5pm.

In the fall we will be hosting a Business Forum featuring status updates on these large projects. Stay tuned to our communication channels to learn more.