City could get money

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer say they want the City of Shelton and Mason County to benefit from a new $1 billion federal grant program to help bring businessses to the county.

On Friday, Cantwell and Kilmer met with city, county and economic leaders at the Shelton Civic Center for a roundtable discussion on economic development opportunities. They then boarded a bus to tour local development and infrastructure sites, including the Port of Shelton's industrial parks.

The two touted the RECOMPETE (Rebuilding Economies and Creating Opportunities for More People Everywhere to Excel) Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Kilmer and championed by Cantwell, which was signed into law as part of the Chips & Science Act. The pilot program of the RECOMPETE Act will establish a new $1 billion federal grant program, that according to Kilmer's office, will "invest in communities that have faced long-term economic challenges."

"We want to help small communities ... we want you to compete too," Cantwell said.

"How do we help you get ready for what might be your next opportunity? ... What is the idea Shelton, Mason County wants to flesh out?" she asked.

Boeing gives a lot of money to the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County, Cantwell said.

"Who funds the economic development in Mason County? ... You don't have a Boeing in your backyard to fund your analysis," she said.

Communities can apply for up to $250,000 for initial research, and then apply for more money later, Cantwell said.

Kilmer pointed out he grew up in Port Angeles and was in high school as the timber industry declined in that area. He watched friends and neighbors lose their jobs.

"We want this money coming to rural Washington," Kilmer said.

Rural communities face challenges in competing to prepare for economic development, including a lack of grant writers, Kilmer said. Also, "one-size-fits-all solutions don't work," he said.

The money available from the RECOMPLETE Act is an attempt to help people in Mason County and elsewhere to "have a shot at making a good living," Kilmer said.

City, county and economic leaders shared their thoughts and concerns.

"We have a lot of great buildable land, zoned and ready to go," said Jennifer Baria, executive director of the Economic Development Council of Mason County.

But there's always a major infrastructure obstacle for businesses expressing interest in moving to Mason County, including a lack of sewer lines or adequate roads, Baria said. There aren't enough local jobs to support people living here, she said.

Shelton City Manager Jeff Niten pointed out that more than half of the 700 or so employees at the Washington Corrections Center don't live in Mason County.

Cantwell asked Baria what businesses have expressed an interest in locating in Mason County. Baria said food producers and tech companies have made enquiries.

Baria said the Port of Shelton has about 150 acres at its industrial park on Johns Prairie Road, and about 400 acres at its industrial park at Sanderson Field. From businesses, "There's a lot of interest there because it's on 101," she said.