PORT ANGELES — The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition has received $35 million from the federal Economic Development Administration to rejuvenate the region’s economy.
The funding, administered through the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, was established by legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor.
“I grew up in Port Angeles and was in high school right around the time the timber industry took it on the chin,” Kilmer said in a press release. “I saw a lot of folks in our region lose their livelihoods. It had a big impact on me. It’s why I studied economic development policy in college and grad school. It’s why I worked in economic development, and it’s why I ran for office. It’s why I drafted the RECOMPETE Act.”
The Recompete Pilot Program targets areas with low prime-age employment to close economic gaps through flexible, locally driven investments.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see a Recompete grant awarded to our region,” Kilmer said. “This is the culmination of years and years of work. It’s testament to the power of partnership in our community.”
The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan (NOPRC), led by Clallam County, aims to revitalize key industries, including marine and natural resources, while enhancing workforce development and social support services.
The grant will support critical infrastructure improvements, educational partnerships and job creation initiatives across the region.
NOPRC, the only West Coast awardee out of 565 applications nationwide, is a coalition that includes local municipalities, tribes and various organizations.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray praised the award’s significance.
“I was proud to help fund the Recompete program — and I commend Rep. Kilmer and Sen. (Maria) Cantwell for helping to make this grant program a reality,” Murray said. “Securing this highly competitive federal award is a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of countless local leaders, and the message is clear: the Peninsula is worth investing in and its future is bright.”
The grant will facilitate several key initiatives, including the expansion of the Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) in partnership with the Makah Tribe. The CRTC will manufacture Advanced Cross-Laminated Timber (ACLT), contributing to the development of affordable housing solutions like accessory dwelling units and tiny homes.
“This award is a powerful vote of confidence in the potential of Olympic Peninsula communities,” Cantwell said. “By building off the region’s history and expertise in the marine and timber industries, and a decade of innovation in new materials like CLT and composites, this federal investment will help launch new products our economy needs for commerce and defense while growing the local manufacturing workforce.”
In addition to supporting the CRTC, the funding will enhance marine transportation infrastructure and implement a comprehensive workforce strategy with social support services. These efforts are designed to bolster the region’s economic competitiveness and connect residents with high-quality job opportunities.
The Recompete Pilot Program’s grant is part of a broader $1 billion initiative established by the RECOMPETE Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in July 2022. The legislation is a component of the CHIPS and Science Act, a significant investment in American innovation and manufacturing spearheaded by Cantwell.
To date, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has appropriated $200 million for the program, with Murray and Kilmer playing key roles.
“This funding is a big boost for the North Olympic Peninsula’s efforts to drive its own economic and environmental destiny,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Using triple bottom line strategies, the North Olympic Peninsula has a plan for a sustainable, innovative and resilient economy with important roles for industries like forestry and the marine trades.”
The coalition leading the initiative includes Clallam County, Jefferson County and a group of partners, including tribal nations, municipalities, ports, economic development agencies and educational institutions.
The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition emerged as one of six national awardees.
“This Recompete opportunity will transform the Olympic Peninsula,” said Una Wirkebau, Recompete plan coordinator. “We are honored to be the only finalist on the West Coast, and absolutely thrilled to bring actionable steps to living-wage jobs to our residents while also increasing the economic impact the marine and natural resources sectors have on the Northwest.”
Local leaders and stakeholders also expressed their enthusiasm for the grant.
“The Clallam EDC, and the community in general, could not be more grateful to Rep. Kilmer for spearheading this visionary place-based economic program,” said Colleen McAleer, executive director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council. “Clallam and Jefferson counties will be forever improved by this substantial award.
“This is a win that so many in our communities sorely need,” McAleer said.
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Reporting intern Christopher Urquia is a student at Peninsula College. He can be reached by email at christopher.urquia@peninsuladailynews.com.
