SPOKANE, Wash. — On Friday, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced that $5.4 million in grants will be distributed to 30 community organizations across the state that focus on building affordable housing and facilities for community services, including child care, early learning and recreation.
The grants can be used for preliminary project phases, such as architectural design and feasibility studies in the early stages of construction planning. The Department of Commerce says initial costs are often barriers for smaller organizations that want to buy, build or renovate property.
“The momentum needed to create new buildings starts long before permits are filed and ground is broken,” Commerce Director Mike Fong said. “We seek to be partners from the beginning, helping organizations succeed in bringing projects to fruition that address critical needs for more housing and community service spaces.”
Award recipients provide services in the following counties: Chelan, Garfield, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla and Whatcom.
In Spokane County, three projects will receive funding from the community facility awards:
- The American Indian Community Center will receive $150,000
- The Spokane Tribal Network will receive $154,417
- The University District Development Association will receive $200,000
The University District Development Association Executive Director Juliet Sinisterra says the project will benefit area residents, employees and students.
“We are very excited about moving this forward and honored to be included in such important work,” Sinisterra said.
The full list of projects and the amount awarded can be found here. For more information about the Planning and Predesign project, visit the Department of Commerce website.
