HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter re Recompete Phase 2 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of Commissioners
FROM: Greg Brotherton, Commissioner
Amanda Christofferson,Grants Administrator
DATE: April 22,2024
RE: Letter of Commitment for the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete
Coalition (NOPRC) application to Recompete Phase II.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
This expresses the support of Jefferson County for the NOPRC Phase II application to the U.S.
Economic Development Administration Distressed Area Recompete Program for$50M grant.
ANALYSIS:
The letter acknowledges the interests of Jefferson County specifically as well as the regional
impact of receiving a grant opportunity of this magnitude.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend the BoCC sign the letter of support.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCauley, t1unty Administrator Date
pF co.� Jss Board of County Commissioners
�04w . c°UfG� 1820 Jefferson Street
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
IN
CJ�0 Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3
April 22, 2024
The Honorable Alejandra Castillo
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue N.W., Suite 20230
Washington, DC 20230
Re: North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition Support and Commitments
Dear Assistant Secretary Castillo,
Jefferson County deeply values the opportunity to engage in Phase 2 of the RECOMPETE grant.As the
Economic Development Administration (EDA) continues to refine its programs, we advocate for sustained
emphasis on fostering regional cooperation in economic development—an endeavor that has already
yielded significant benefits for our region of the North Olympic Peninsula.The challenges of initiating
regional collaboration have been surmounted, resulting in a stronger, more unified approach to our
economic challenges.
Throughout both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the RECOMPETE process,Jefferson County has actively participated
as a Task Force Member.We have committed to a network of interconnected projects aimed at addressing
the Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG) in our region. Initially, in Phase 1, our focus included essential
infrastructure developments at Glen Cove Industrial Park. However, during the Phase 2 Application process,
we shifted our support to the Port of Port Townsend's Westward Boatyard Expansion project, which more
closely aligns with our immediate needs to enhance infrastructure for small businesses and the maritime
sector.
Despite this shift, the Glen Cove project remains a crucial commitment of Jefferson County. It continues to
benefit from the downstream impacts of our coalition's efforts, supported by a $60,000 Strategy and
Development Grant aimed at facilitating critical public outreach to integrate Glen Cove into the Urban
Growth Area (UGA) of Port Townsend.This initiative complements and informs the ongoing Periodic Update
to our Comprehensive Plan.
Moreover, we are addressing pervasive barriers such as childcare, in collaboration with local organizations
like the YMCA.The potential Phase 2 Award will significantly bolster these efforts and help us achieve the
broader objectives of RECOMPETE.Jefferson County commits to continuing these collective initiatives and
conversations on a regional level.
Phone (360) 385-9100 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
With the rural nature of our region, it remains challenging to serve small communities effectively. Our
workforce training plan with Peninsula College and the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building includes
bringing training directly to the people and expanding workforce training opportunities within our urban
centers as well as with remote and mobile training options where able.This approach will empower our
communities, support the evolution of our traditional industries—Forest Resources and Maritime—and
create living-wage jobs while reducing barriers for our prime-age workforce.The Spud Barge Project from
the Port of Port Angeles is a great example of addressing the barrier of transportation that is very acute on a
Peninsula with one main route, and many business opportunities locked up by the high cost of
transportation from the West End that can be unlocked with full use of the marine highway.
In conclusion,Jefferson County is eager to continue and expand our involvement in the NOPRC. We
respectfully request a Phase 2 award, but either way we look forward to further collaboration.Thank you for
considering our ongoing and future commitments under this impactful program.
Sincerely,
Kate Dean, Chair, Dist. No. 1 Heidi Eisenhour, Dist. No. 2 Greg Brotherton, Dist. No. 3