County seeks applications for .09 funding awards

Whitman County Commissioners voted Jan. 17 to open the application period for proposals for funds from the county’s Economic Development Public Facilities (.09) Fund.

The commissioners opened the fund at $100,000 for 2017.

“It’s the same amount as we’ve done for years,” said Maribeth Becker, clerk of the board.

The .09 funds are intended to be used for public economic development projects.

Last year, the Blue Ribbon Advisory Task Committee (BRATC) awarded funds to the Tekoa theater project and the Colfax High School track renovations. In the past, the committee has awarded funds to the library, Pullman-Moscow Airport and the Port of Whitman County, among others.

In opening the application period, the board sent out a letter to cities, towns and taxing districts explaining acceptable .09 projects.

Criteria included the proposed project having a direct relationship between the public facility and economic development; projects retaining or increasing sustainable economic capacity; projects being based on partnerships when possible; a minimum of 10 percent of the project cost being covered by the applicant, and projects demonstrating good planning and readiness.

The county will award .09 funds for projects, up to 75 percent of the total project cost.

Application deadline for submission to the county commissioners’ office is 5 p.m. on March 31. Applicants must be prepared to make an oral presentation to the BRATC Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the commissioners’ chambers. The Board will review the BRATC recommendations and make the final awards May 2.

Recipients will have one year from the date of award to complete projects.

Mitch Chandler, BRATC chairman, can be contacted with any questions.

509-334-3915