Submitted by the Port of Olympia
Current Port Commissioner, Bill McGregor spearheaded the Small Cities program in 2010. It has become a success marking 2017 as the eighth year projects in Thurston County’s small, incorporated cities received a boost from the Port of Olympia. Port Commission approved funding matches for economic development projects in Bucoda, Rainier, Tenino and Yelm, at $10,000 each at the April 24 Commission meeting.
The intent of the Port’s Small Cities Program is to assist with projects that will contribute to local economic development. The program requires an equal cash match from the city. The Port awards the funds after the city has completed the project and submitted the required information.
Small cities are defined as incorporated cities within Thurston County with a population of 10,000 or less.
The Board of Directors of the Port Economic Development Corporation reviewed Finance Director Jeff Smith’s analysis of the cities’ applications, qualified the eligibility of the projects, and recommended that the Commission approve the funding awards.
Here is how the cities plan to use their 2017 Small Cities Program funds:
- Bucoda will continue the renovation of the historic Oddfellows Building into a community center that serves both residents and visitors. Included will be the purchase and installation of two ductless heat pumps.
- Rainier plans to help fund the Tipsoo Loop Resurfacing project.
- Tenino will use the funds to remove the existing security fence at the Tenino Quarry Pool. Relocation of the fence will create additional space within the security zone to allow for additional sunbathing, picnicking, and greater freedom of movement for lifeguards. The fence itself will be replaced by a higher-quality, longer lasting, more pleasing to the eye vinyl wrapped chain link.
- Yelm plans to acquire electric vehicle charging stations; acquire and install a Bikeshare kiosk and acquire professional services for logo upgrade.
