Gluesenkamp Perez Secures Over $21 Million for 15 Community Projects Across Southwest Washington

Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced she has secured $21,428,039 in funding for 15 community projects across every county in Washington’s Third District. This funding was requested by Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and included in the first package of 2024 spending bills, signed into law Saturday.

The funding responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in Southwest Washington, delivering support for high-impact, community-led projects related to economic development, water and wastewater infrastructure, agriculture, working waterfronts, and public safety.

“By bringing home over $21 million in federal funding, we’re investing in 15 much-needed projects that will make an incredible difference in communities across Southwest Washington. From strengthening clean water systems that keep folks healthy, to building infrastructure farmers and fishermen rely on, to getting the equipment necessary for rural public safety and trades programs – these investments are the nuts and bolts of how government can serve the people,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “These spending bills took long enough, but it shows what can be accomplished when Congress puts patriotism over partisanship to focus on working families. While I’m glad I could bring this funding home, I’m incredibly grateful for the folks across Southwest Washington who will be putting in the legwork in the coming months to put these dollars to good use for the sake of their communities.”

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Members of the House can only submit 15 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. In addition to her requests, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez advocated for additional local requests submitted in the Senate and will work with her constituents to support these projects:

• $954,000 for Mt. St. Helens sediment control, requested by Sens. Cantwell and Murray.
• $1,490,000 to the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe for water and wastewater system upgrades, requested by Sen. Cantwell.
• $4,000,000 to the United Way of Lewis County for construction of an Early Learning Center, requested by Sen. Murray.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has also advocated for robust funding for prevention and management of the invasive green crab, which feeds on oysters and clams and is a threat to fisheries and the livelihoods of local growers. Continued funds for these efforts were included in the spending package.

The following are all 15 CPF awards secured by Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, listed by county alphabetically and dollar amount:

Clark County

$4,000,000 – Heights District Infrastructure Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez tours the Heights District project with Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle in January 2023.

The funds will be used for the City of Vancouver to improve roads, greenspace, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways in the Heights District.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“This $4 million marks the first successful federal investment in the Heights District, allowing the city to construct initial infrastructure improvements as a catalyst for private development,” said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “This project, in the heart of Vancouver, is a once in a generation opportunity to proactively influence inclusive and sustainable development and sets precedent for future public redevelopment projects in the City. This is an exciting moment for the City!”

$3,000,000 – Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Energy Efficiency and Modernization Upgrades

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez speaks with DCWA Executive Director John Peterson at the Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in June 2023.

The funds will be used for the Discovery Clean Water Alliance to modernize wastewater treatment equipment at a facility that serves roughly a quarter of Clark County.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“The Congresswoman visited the Salmon Creek Treatment Plant last summer, the first sitting member of Congress to do so, and recognized the essential service it provides,” said Discovery Clean Water Alliance Executive Director John Peterson. “With her Community Project Funding investment we’ll be able to replace outdated equipment with modern technology that will make our treatment system more efficient and reliable, and ultimately benefit the 150,000 residents in Battle Ground, Ridgefield, and central Clark County that our regional partnership serves.”

$500,000 – Terminal 1 Redevelopment Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits the Port of Vancouver in August 2023.

The funds will be used for the Port of Vancouver to replace a structurally deficient dock to support space for a public market and improve the fish habitat.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has demonstrated for the Port of Vancouver USA’s Terminal 1 redevelopment project,” said Port of Vancouver USA CEO Julianna Marler. “We’ll continue the work needed to transform T1 in the coming years which will ultimately open up countless opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, visitors and residents down on the Vancouver waterfront.”

$959,752 – Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits the Washougal Wastewater Treatment Plant in March 2023.

The funds will be used for the City of Washougal to construct a biosolids facility and lagoon decommissioning at the Washougal Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“I’d like to express our gratitude to Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez for her support of our community. The mandated enhancements at our treatment plant are costly and the burden falls on all our residents and businesses. This funding is making a positive difference, helping us to mitigate the impact of this project on our sewer utility rates,” said Mayor of Washougal David Stuebe. “When we reached out to the Congresswoman about this project, she was very responsive, including doing a site visit to become informed first-hand. We will be under construction this year and this funding is an important part of paying for this project.”

Cowlitz County

$1,000,000 – LCC Vocational Equipment

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits Lower Columbia College in February 2023.

The funds will be used for Lower Columbia College to equip a new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies with technology and equipment for training in computer science, welding, machining, and manufacturing careers.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“At LCC, we are thankful for this funding and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s support. The Cowlitz EDC predicts that more than 30,000 manufacturing jobs in the SW Washington region will need to be filled in the next decade,” said President of Lower Columbia College Matt Seimears.“Cutting-edge tools, equipment, and technology will complete the new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies, elevating it into a state-of-the-art skills center (long overdue for our region) that will serve local high schools, industry, and unions. Students will go directly from college to career, ready to fill the high-demand job needs of our region and beyond.Rebecca Chaffee

$1,000,000 – Ryderwood Drought Resiliency Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits the Ryderwood Water Treatment Plant in August 2023.

The funds will be used for Cowlitz County to construct a new reservoir to support safe, reliable drinking and fire protection water during drought.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“The senior citizen community of Ryderwood has struggled for years with water shortages due to unusual drought conditions. We are thrilled that Congress has helped this low-income neighborhood with a $1 million drought resiliency grant and appreciate the work of our Congressional delegation and staff, especially Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez,” said senior Cowlitz County Commissioner Dennis Weber (District 2). “The grant will be combined with county utility reserves and ARPA funds to complete the facility.”

“The Ryderwood Drought Resiliency Project will provide huge benefits to this historic Cowlitz County City, ensuring water availability to the retirement community’s residents,” said Cowlitz County Commissioner Richard Dahl (District 3). “We are very appreciative to have this funding be included in the FY 2024 appropriations bill.”

$500,000 – Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez meets with the Port of Longview in January 2023.

The funds will be used for the Port of Longview to expand an industrial rail corridor to meet rapidly growing demand and accommodate full-length trains.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“The Port of Longview is fortunate to have a Congressional delegation that recognizes the transformational economic benefits the Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion project will bring not just to Cowlitz County but to all of Southwest Washington,” said Port of Longview CEO Dan Stahl. “This investment from Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez comes at a critical time, when we’re nearing completion of the permitting process and aiming to begin construction this year.”

Lewis County

$4,116,279 – Southwest Washington Grain Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez meets with local stakeholders at the Port of Chehalis in March 2023.

The funds will be used for the Port of Chehalis to construct public grain storage and a transloading facility to allow local farmers to move product via rail.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“In 2019, the SW WA Grower’s Cooperative was formed and shortly thereafter contracted with Great Western Malting to produce 500 tons of malting barley on less than 200 acres. Currently, the summer of 2024 harvest is contracted at 3,200 tons from 1,225 acres. Growing various grains in this region is a relatively new opportunity and therefore lacks infrastructure to support the exponential growth we are experiencing as well as creating opportunities for future generations of farmers,” said Northwest Agriculture Business Center SW WA Regional Director Jake Fay. “Financial support for the Southwest Washington Grain Project will undoubtedly have a substantial positive impact on a region that has continually suffered agriculture economic setbacks from historical flooding, loss of production contracts, and pressure to develop farmland.”

“The completion of this project will allow the Southwest Washington Growers Cooperative and Great Western to have an efficient system to market and transport barley. It will also provide the ability to move other grains to other markets and import grain not grown here. … There are a number of equipment dealers, repair shops, parts suppliers, fertilizer suppliers and feed stores in the area that benefit from a healthy farm economy,” said SW WA Growers Cooperative Board President Dave Fenn. “Finally, our thanks to Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. The first day I met her, she said I am here to listen and she actually did. … It soon became very clear she was interested in supporting agriculture and forestry as well as craft jobs and smaller communities. Her introduction and passage of this budget item will help complete a project that will have a most beneficial effect on agriculture and the greater community.”

“This funding will allow us to complete our project. It is going to have a major positive impact on not just Lewis County, but also surrounding counties that will be able to take advantage of having the facility,” said Lewis County Farm Bureau President Maureen Harkcom. “Not only is it going to help revive agricultural production, it is going to allow dairies and chicken producers to save greatly on their grain/feed costs by being able to receive tail shipments. This facility is a big win for agriculture in Southwest Washington and in so doing is a win for all residents who benefit from American-produced foods.”

$959,752 – Packwood Sewer Easements and Treatment Facility Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez holds a roundtable with Packwood small business owners to discuss local priorities, including the sewer project, in April 2023.

The funds will be used for Lewis County to support a sewer installation project to protect public health and enable new housing construction.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“Our small communities are growing at a rapid pace. Critical infrastructure like the Packwood sewer system will enable our long term Subarea Plan goals, such as affordable housing and small businesses retail opportunities to be achieved. This critical project also protects our water resources from degradation in this sensitive and beautiful mountain community,” said Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer (District 3). “The Packwood Sewer project is a collaborative effort with the community that has now received support from State and Federal appropriations. Lewis County is grateful for the work of our Congresswoman to bring these funds to our local area.” 

Pacific County

$1,050,000 – South Bend Boat Working Waterfront

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits the South Bend Boat Shop in August 2023.

The funds will be used for the Port of Willapa Harbor to purchase the sole marine haul-service facility to support working fishing and aquaculture watercraft.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“The acquisition and repair of South Bend Boat is so critical to the survival of our local fishing fleets whose owners have limited access to repair facilities,” said Port of Willapa Harbor Chair Patti Lignoski. “We are very thankful for Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s unwavering support for the South Bend Boat project.”

“The South Bend Boat project received unwavering support from the fishing and aquaculture community and in recognition of the critical support the Fosse family-owned facility has supplied to the fishing community for 100 years,” said Port Manager Jim Sayce. “It is to Congresswoman Glusenkamp Perez’s credit that she came to South Bend, visited with local leaders, and then walked into South Bend Boat and instantly understood how critical this facility is to our community’s well-being.”  

“As a former oysterman, I know the stress of boat maintenance that these guys face and anything the Port can do to make their lives safer, more productive, and profitable is what we should be supporting,” said Port Commissioner Eric Petit (District 2). “Thanks to Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez for understanding that rebuilding this country is from the ground up and we are doing that!”

“The acquisition of South Bend Boat will assist the Willapa Bay fisherman and shellfish aquaculture businesses. It is a tremendous responsibility for the Port, and our long-term goal is to get the facility operating at a level that it is attractive to a lessee to lease and operate the facility,” said Port Commissioner Rebecca Chaffee (District 3). “Part of our economic development strategy is to assist in developing new businesses for the private sector and South Bend Boat is an example. This will require future capital expense to redevelop the facility and we are very pleased at Representative Gluesenkamp Perez’s ability to assist in funding the South Bend Boat project.”

“South Bend Boat is one of those must-do projects that has enormous impact to our fishing fleets, industry, canneries, freight companies, and workers,” said former Port Commissioner Nick Jambor (District 2).“The shellfish and fishing fleets serve businesses that support over 1,000 workers in direct and indirect jobs. It is hard to believe that such a small facility run by the few can support the many.”

$959,752 – Oregon Avenue Sewer Main Replacement Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits Long Beach City Wastewater in February 2023.

The funds will be used for the City of Long Beach to replace a sewer main to prevent catastrophic failure that could result in groundwater contamination.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“The City of Long Beach is thrilled to receive these funds to safely serve our residents and protect our groundwater,” said Mayor of Long Beach Sue Svendsen. “We are a small community with a small tax base and an elderly population on fixed incomes, most of these customers are on reduced utility bills. This is a project we could not implement without outside support.”

Skamania County

$963,000 – Public Safety Radio Communication System Modernization Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits Skamania County EMS and Rescue in February 2024.

The funds will be used for Skamania County to modernize law enforcement radio systems to provide stronger coverage across mountainous terrain.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“This funding will go a long way in improving our first responders’ radio communications system, which is outdated and leaves large swaths of Skamania County unreachable by radio,” said Skamania County Sheriff Summer Scheyer. “We appreciate Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s efforts to secure this critical funding which will ultimately make Skamania County safer for residents and visitors.”

“Skamania County covers over 1,600 square miles of rugged, heavily forested land, so an updated communications system is critical to helping our first responders connect with each other in the event of emergencies,” said Skamania County Commissioner Tom Lannen (District 2). “We are grateful for the Congresswoman’s support of this project and for fighting to bring these funds to Skamania County.”

$959,752 – Cascades Business Park Wastewater Infrastructure

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez meets with the boards of the Skamania EDC and Chamber of Commerce in August 2023.

The funds will be used for the Port of Skamania County to expand wastewater infrastructure to address current demands and growth for industrial property.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“To bolster Skamania County’s economy and provide opportunities for residents to work, we need to be creating the infrastructure that supports development,” said Port of Skamania County Executive Director Pat Albaugh. “I appreciate Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s efforts to secure this funding that will enable the Port to meet current and future demands for economic growth.”

Thurston County

$500,000 – Southwest Washington Regional Agricultural Business and Innovation Park 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez meets with then-Tenino Mayor Wayne Fournier and local stakeholders at the site in February 2023.

The funds will be used for the Thurston Economic Development Council to continue the buildout of a comprehensive business support ecosystem in support of the region’s small scale agricultural producers.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“The Thurston Economic Development Council and City of Tenino are grateful to Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez and her staff for pursuing and securing these funds for the SW WA Agricultural Business and Innovation Park project,” said Thurston Economic Development Council Executive Director Michael Cade. “It will lead to innovation and new product development, help fill identified gaps in needed infrastructure, and provide workforce development and job creation, in order to create a local food supply chain that is more resilient and responsive to disruptions.”

“This investment will help us further our goal of supporting the regional ag economy, as well as build resilience into our food supply chain, in addition to creating local jobs and strengthening community,” said Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier (District 4). “We are very grateful for Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s support and dedication on this project and all that she has done for supporting South Thurston County.”

Wahkiakum County

$959,752 – Puget Island Alternate Water System Project

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez speaks with constituents about Wahkiakum County priorities in June 2023.

The funds will be used for Public Utility District #1 of Wahkiakum County to build an alternative water source to improve the resiliency and reliability of water to Puget Island.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s funding request can be found here, and community letters of support can be found here.

“We are profoundly grateful to Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and her staff for their support and dedication to our community. With this appropriation, we will be able to accelerate upgrades to our water infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said Wahkiakum PUD General Manager Dan Kay. “The impact of this funding is immeasurable and will bring to fruition a project that likely would not otherwise have been possible. On behalf of the PUD Commission, staff and the residents of Puget Island, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for this invaluable investment in our future and commitment to addressing the needs of rural constituents.”