NOPRC chosen as one of six communities nationwide

By Christopher Urquia

Peninsula Daily News

PORT ANGELES — The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition plans to use a $35 million federal grant to support eight projects, which are expected to create more than 1,300 new jobs in the region, reversing decades of economic decline and fostering long-term growth.

U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, announced the significant milestone for the North Olympic Peninsula as the region was awarded the Recompete Grant earlier this week. The funding, part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, aims to revitalize the economy of the North Olympic Peninsula, addressing long-standing challenges and fostering sustainable growth.

“No matter what Zip code you live in, you deserve to have a shot,” Kilmer said at a press conference Friday at Ediz Hook. “You deserve the right to have economic opportunity. The challenges that we face on the Olympic Peninsula are not unique.”

This historic grant is the result of extensive collaboration across multiple counties, tribes, ports and local organizations, all of which came together under the banner of the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition (NOPRC).

Kilmer was joined Friday by key regional leaders, including Clallam County Commissioner Mike French, Jefferson County Commissioner Greg Brotherton, Colleen McAleer of the Clallam County Economic Development Council and Glenn Ellis Jr. of the Makah Tribal Council, among others. They echoed Kilmer’s sentiments about the transformative potential of this grant, which Kilmer described as an opportunity for the region to not only recover but thrive.

“There are communities all over the country that have been challenged by economic growth,” Kilmer said. “In fact, 30 percent of the American population lives in what are considered economically distressed communities.”

The first phase of the Recompete pilot program includes significant investments in the region’s infrastructure and workforce. That includes $9.8 million for the Olympic Peninsula Resource Hub, which will integrate resources for job coaching, benefits navigation and workforce training. The hub will serve as a one-stop shop for connecting residents with job opportunities and support services, including childcare and transportation vouchers.

Additionally, $9.6 million will be allocated to the NOPRC Workforce Development Project, expanding training programs in marine technology, natural resources, welding and transportation. That project aims to meet industry needs and increase access to small business advising across the region.

Further investments will be made in tribal and underserved communities, with $8.5 million set aside to build economic development capacity and support tribal-led projects.

Another $6 million will be used to develop a North Olympic Peninsula Barging Network, reducing transportation costs and enabling local businesses to compete more effectively in distant markets.

Other projects include the expansion of the Western Boat Yard, the creation of a Natural Resources Innovation Center, and the doubling of thermal wood modification capacity at the Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC).

Complementary investments and commitments also are in place to ensure the long-term success of these initiatives. These include pending grants from the Washington Student Achievement Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal and state agencies. Those funds will support additional infrastructure development, research and workforce training, further bolstering the region’s economic resilience, Kilmer said.

“Now more than ever is the time to invest in our future, and we’re proud of the hard work done by Rep. Kilmer and our coalition of regional partners to secure $35 million in funding for the North Olympic Peninsula through the Recompete Pilot Project,” French said.

“With this award, we are excited to empower our prime-age workforce as we develop our traditional economic sectors for a new era of environmentally sustainable economic development,” Brotherton said.

The Recompete Pilot Program was born out of Kilmer’s Rebuilding Economies and Creating Opportunities for More People Everywhere to Excel Act (RECOMPETE Act), which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in July 2022 as part of the CHIPS and Science Act. The program specifically targets economically distressed areas, offering them the tools and funding necessary to design and implement long-term economic development strategies tailored to their unique needs.

Kilmer outlined the three core challenges that the RECOMPETE Act aims to address. First, the complexity of federal grant systems, which often leaves distressed communities unable to access the necessary resources. The RECOMPETE Act, therefore, includes robust technical assistance from the EDA to help these communities navigate the system. Second, the need for sustained, long-term funding rather than short-term grants that do not address the root causes of economic distress. Third, the importance of a tailored approach, as each community’s needs are unique.

The RECOMPETE funding allows for flexibility, whether it’s improving infrastructure, investing in workforce training or supporting small businesses.

“This is what it’s all about. It’s about creating opportunity,” Kilmer said.

The competition for the Recompete Grant was fierce, with 565 applications from 49 states. The North Olympic Peninsula was one of only 22 finalists and ultimately one of six communities in the country to receive an implementation grant. The grant is expected to have a profound impact on the region’s economy.

“This coalition in this community was created, developed, fostered, nurtured and did something extraordinary – competing against the whole country,” Kilmer said.

Reporting intern Christopher Urquia is a student at Peninsula College. He can be reached by email at christopher.urquia@peninsuladailynews.com.