The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration today announced a $2 million grant to the Port of Port Angeles to retrofit a building that will house the industrial and workforce training facilities for the Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC). The project will create an estimated 111 jobs.
鈥淭he Obama Administration has taken unprecedented steps to support workforce development and green initiatives and is deeply committed to strengthening America鈥檚 workforce and protecting the environment,鈥� said Secretary Pritzker in the U.S. Department of Commerce news release. 鈥淭his EDA investment supports recycling and environmental stewardship and will provide critical job training in Washington.鈥�
This federal grant was made possible by a $1 million commitment from the Washington State Clean Energy Fund, combined with an additional $1 million in local government funds for the needed dollar-for-dollar match.
鈥淭his $2 million federal grant brings the Composite Recycling Technology Center one step closer to its goal of converting composite waste materials from our state鈥檚 advanced manufacturers into innovative new products,鈥� Governor Jay Inslee said. 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased that our Clean Energy Fund matching grant contributed to this important funding milestone for the center. This is a tremendous example of a community with a vision for how clean technology will create jobs and opportunity to secure its economic future.鈥�
The Washington Legislature this year approved $40 million for 2015-17 Clean Energy Fund 2. The CRTC plans to apply for $1.35M in equipment funding, to be matched with local funding sources, to complete the final funding package needed for the CRTC to become operational.
鈥淲ashington is already leading in carbon fiber production. Now we want to lead in carbon fiber recycling,鈥� Senator Cantwell said. 鈥淧ort Angeles is leading the way, and the Department of Commerce grant will help this community solve some of the recycling challenges,鈥�. Senator Cantwell has proposed S. 1432, the Carbon Fiber Recycling Act of 2015(bill text and bill summary), to study technology and energy savings of recycled carbon fiber and directs the Department of Energy to collaborate with the automotive and aviation industry to develop a recycled carbon fiber demonstration project. At the hearing for this bill in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Sen. Cantwell commended the Port for their leadership and vision in converting a displaced workforce and unused facilities into an innovative market that is creating local jobs, reducing landfill waste and saving energy by recycling scrap fibers. According to Sen. Cantwell鈥檚 opening statement; 鈥淭he commissioner and her colleagues are working on innovations in composite materials that help improve fuel efficiency, whether we鈥檙e talking about automobiles or aerospace鈥攁nd that market is expected to grow to $26 billion by next year.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to support the Port of Port Angeles in their work to provide workforce training and economic growth in the region in an innovative way,鈥� said Senator Murray. 鈥淭his investment in the Composite Recycling Technology Center will help support the Port鈥檚 efforts to lay down a strong foundation for long-term economic growth and job creation that would benefit the community, the environment, and the local economy.鈥�
鈥淭his investment is recognition that our region is ready to be a hub for composite breakthroughs鈥� said Representative Derek Kilmer. 鈥淲hen the new facility opens its doors it will help us grow quality jobs and show the rest of the nation how we can turn yesterday鈥檚 recycled parts into tomorrow鈥檚 advanced products. Everyone involved had their oars in the water, everyone rowed in the same direction. As a result, now we are seeing progress for the community.鈥�
This public-private collaborative effort has been led by the Port of Port Angeles, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, Governor Inslee鈥檚 Office, Peninsula College, Clallam County, City of Port Angeles, and numerous private companies and research institutions. This project also received a boost by being part of US EDA鈥檚 Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership program. Clallam County is included in the EDA designated Washington Aerospace Manufacturing Community, which is administered by the Puget Sound Regional Council. This makes it one of two dozen regions nationwide that receives preferential consideration for certain federal grants.
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