Chelan County awards $1.2M for development, housing projects

WENATCHEE - Chelan County commissioners have allocated nearly $1.2 million in grants to support economic development and affordable housing initiatives in the area. The funds, distributed through the Cascade Public Infrastructure Fund (CPIF) grant program, will benefit five local projects.

The CPIF program, now in its fourth year, finances public projects that stimulate business creation, job retention, and affordable housing opportunities within the county. Since its inception in 2021, the program has awarded a total of $3.7 million.

Commissioner Kevin Overbay emphasized the program's significance, stating, "The CPIF program has allowed us to infuse nearly $4 million into our local economy in the last four years. The impacts of those monies will spur growth in not only new businesses and jobs but also home ownership. CPIF dollars really have the capacity to impact our community in a broad and positive way."

The 2024 CPIF grants, totaling $1,182,000, were awarded to five projects:

1. Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority received $125,000 for a feasibility study to acquire and develop a property in Manson, potentially creating a joint facility with Link Transit and a small business incubator.
2. Chelan County was granted $75,000 for the Heartwood Biomass Market Assessment, which will evaluate the feasibility of establishing a biomass utilization campus.
3. The City of Chelan secured $300,000 to improve its water system capacity through upgrades to the Washington Street Booster Pump Station.
4. The City of Wenatchee was awarded $400,000 to upgrade existing utilities on a portion of Wenatchee Avenue to accommodate ongoing development.
5. Common Ground Housing Trust received $282,000 to support the completion of eight affordable cottage homes in Wenatchee, targeting households with incomes between 65% and 80% of the area's median income.

The CPIF is funded by existing revenues from the sales-and-use tax for public facilities in rural counties. Applications were reviewed and scored by the CPIF Advisory Committee before final decisions were made by the Board of County Commissioners.