Port accepts grant for Colfax childcare

COLFAX — The Port of Whitman County Commissioner accepted a grant from the Department of Commerce on Thursday, April 4, for a childcare project in Colfax.

The Port was selected as an Apparent Successful Grantee for Commerce’s two year Child Care Partnership Grant. Through the grant the Port will receive up to $20,000 in the first year and $55,000 in the second year.

The Port moved forward as a continuation of a childcare project in Colfax conducted by a local organization exploring opening a childcare center in their facility. The organization was able to complete a feasibility study, but had cost issues with renovation of their space in May 2023.

The Port formed a steering committee of community stakeholders to determine the next steps and discuss the Port’s potential role in the project.

The Port Commission approved the Commerce Child Care Partnership Grant application in August 2023, and the Port applied in October 2023.

“When we learned of the needs in Colfax, we saw a clear synergy between the Port’s existing work in real estate development, property management, and economic development, and the possibility of a new childcare center,” said Port Executive Director Kara Riebold, noting that they are grateful for the legislature and Commerce’s support of childcare.

“Childcare and economic development are intricately connected,” said Hank Hanigan, Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinic Chief Executive Officer and member of the steering committee.

Hanigan said that the hospital and other employers in Colfax have difficulty attracting employees due to the area’s lack of childcare, especially in infant care. “We are excited for this development,” Hannigan said.

The grant program funds pre-design, planning and organizing activities for childcare projects in communities across the state, recently receiving additional funding.

The grant award to will fund community outreach efforts, a feasibility study and identification of potential childcare center sites in Colfax.

Upon the outcome of the study, the Port will be able to build or purchase a facility, and then lease it to a childcare business or nonprofit to operate.

The Port received four proposals for the feasibility study and related work ultimately choosing NAC Architecture, of Spokane, as the consultant.