OLYMPIA…Sen. Bob Morton, R-Orient, says that a $572,200 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to Stevens County for infrastructure needs is vital to the development of the local economy.

In addition to aiding other businesses within or near Colville, the construction of the new water and sewer lines will overwhelmingly support the Hewescraft Marine Company, a family-owned business that serves as a major employer in the region and has manufactured aluminum boats in Stevens County since 1948.

“This grant is expected to result in at least 30 new jobs over the next two years, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income residents,” Morton said. “That is a tremendous boon for the Colville area.”

The grant is particularly timely as Hewescraft is looking to expand to keep up with increasing demand for its handcrafted boats.

“They are the oldest aluminum boat manufacturer in Washington state,” Morton added. “They are the source of a great deal of pride by the local community and their unparalleled craftsmanship is well respected throughout the region.”

The CDBG uses federal funds to pay for improvement that are a high regional priority. In addition to CDBG funding, other funds for this project include $375,000 from CTED’s Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) and $100,000 from local private/public funds.

For more information on the state’s CDBG Community Investment Fund Program visit http://www.cted.wa.gov/_CTED/documents/ID_1195_Publications.pdf

For more information about CERB visit http://cted.wa.gov/portal/alias__CTED,CTED/lang__en-US/tabID__64/DesktopDefault.aspx

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For more information contact Tami Davis (360) 786-7519 or davis.tami@leg.wa.gov