Port Angeles, WA — U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have announced a $35 million grant awarded to the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition (NOPRC) by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This funding, provided through the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete), will support economic revitalization in the region.

The Recompete Pilot Program, established by Kilmer’s RECOMPETE Act, aims to address high unemployment in distressed areas with targeted, locally-driven investments. The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan, spearheaded by Clallam County, will focus on boosting the marine and natural resources industries, enhancing marine transportation infrastructure, and developing workforce strategies.

“This grant is the result of years of hard work and collaboration,” said Rep. Kilmer, who authored the Recompete Act. “It’s a testament to our region’s resilience and the power of partnership in creating sustainable economic opportunities.”

Senator Murray emphasized the significance of the grant, noting it reflects the Peninsula’s potential and her commitment to securing federal funds for local communities. Senator Cantwell praised the investment for leveraging the region’s expertise in marine and timber industries to drive innovation and job creation.

The Recompete Program, part of the CHIPS & Science Act, has quickly become one of the most popular initiatives of the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Out of 565 applications, NOPRC was one of six selected for implementation funding.

Local leaders and organizations, including the Makah Tribe and Clallam County EDC, expressed their enthusiasm for the grant. They highlighted the anticipated impact on job creation, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development across the region.

Governor Jay Inslee and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo also praised the funding, underscoring its potential to drive long-term economic growth and innovation in the North Olympic Peninsula.

“This Recompete opportunity will transform the Olympic Peninsula,” said Recompete Plan Coordinator Una Wirkebau. “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.”

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

“Peninsula College is thrilled to be a part of our region’s Recompete proposal. I am confident our collective work will bring economic prosperity to families and the greater community,” said Dr. Suzy Ames, President of Peninsula College.