HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Support re: North Olympic Peninsula Recompete - 100223 o� CoMjs
ON of0 Board of County Commissioners
Q 44w G, 4, 1820 Jefferson Street
ti PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
1II NG't
Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3
October 2, 2023
To Whom It May Concern,
On behalf of Jefferson County, we are writing to express our strong support for the North Olympic
Peninsula Recompete Coalition's (NOPRC) applications for Recompete Plan Approval and a Strategy
Development Grant. We believe that the Recompete Program offers a vital opportunity to address the
economic challenges and the Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG) that have long affected our region.
NOPRC's application stands out for its comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and
opportunities within our county. We are particularly excited about the project exploring expansion of
an Urban Growth Area to Glen Cove Industrial Park, a necessary step to allow for growth of light
industrial and manufacturing businesses. This initiative has the potential to unlock significant economic
development, diversifying our local economy and creating more living-wage jobs. Additionally, the
expansion of the Port of Port Townsend's Boatyard is another critical component that promises to
bolster our maritime industry, a cornerstone of our local economy.
What further distinguishes NOPRC's application is its focus on addressing barriers to economic
development, such as child care and workforce development. Bytacklingthese issues head-on the
P � P
coalition aims to create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape, thereby contributing to the
reduction of the PAEG.
NOPRC has successfully assembled a diverse coalition of stakeholders from both Clallam and
Jefferson Counties, as well as local Tribes. This broad-based support is a testament to the coalition's
effectiveness and its ability to enact meaningful change. We are collectively committed to addressing
the PAEG and enhancing both the economic vitality and the quality of life in our communities.
We are grateful for this opportunity to invest in a brighter, more prosperous future for Jefferson County
and the broader North Olympic Peninsula.
a 01‘)
Kate Dean, Dist. No. 1 i a' Ei e our, Dist. No. 2 Greg Brotherton, Chair, Dist. No. 3
Phone(360) 385-9100 Fax (360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@cojefferson.wa.us