Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) today announced that the Lewis County Economic Development Council has been awarded a U.S. Department of Commerce grant in the amount of $110,000 to convert the now defunct TransAlta Mine into a manufacturing industrial park.

When the mine closed in December 2007, 600 workers in Lewis County lost their jobs. The Economic Development Council obtained 1,000 acres from the company and applied for investment funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to convert the site.

The community came forward with matching funds from local businesses and labor groups. They received additional state support from Washington's Community Trade and Economic Development Council.

"Today's announcement of federal support is a great credit to the community which suffered a devastating loss with the closure of TransAlta," said Congressman Baird.  "I am committed to attracting businesses and creating jobs in Lewis County.  This funding puts us on the right track by working to create a regional manufacturing hub for companies looking for a skilled workforce and a great community."

With today's announced federal support, the local community has a total of $220,000 in hand to begin the design work. With permitting, road construction and sewer improvements, the Economic Development Council hopes to have the site ready for industrial manufacturing companies by next year.

Bill Lotto, Director of the Lewis County EDC says this is exciting news for the entire community. "The pay off is when people go to work. We have an opportunity to create new good paying jobs for workers in our community. We wouldn't be at this point without the strong support of our federal representatives, state leaders, local leaders and especially our labor groups and our businesses."

Future federal support may be needed to complete infrastructure work on the project. TransAlta is obligated to clean up the parcel of land. Congressman Brian Baird, who serves on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, says this is an exceptional opportunity for Lewis County because of the land's access to Interstate 5 and the rail lines running north-south. He commends the local businesses, labor groups and community leaders for their work on this project.

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