2022-05-02 Economic Alliance UpdateEconomic Alliance Update
May 2, 2022
11:00 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, Todd Chaput, Richard DeBolt, Lee Napier, Lara
McRea, Erik Martin
Guest(s): Bill Serrahn, Nic Scott, Phil Brooke, Kyle Heaton
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Richard DeBolt asked to clarify the non-disclosure agreements (NDA) agreements with the
Commissioners that were mentioned during the Wrap-Up meeting. He said the energy would be green
to comply with Washington State requirements. Richard said there are no tax dollars involved and that
none of the project is dependent upon tax breaks. Richard also clarified the (NDA) did prohibit
answering most questions.
Richard said there will be a presentation in December for the “Dig Once” program. Todd Chaput said
there are options to present before the Board in June. The map will show projects that require urgency.
Richard said the Department of Natural Resources is willing to move some culvert projects to coordinate
with the “dig once” project in effort to minimize costs.
Richard said Ryerson Steel is coming along in the Port of Centralia, Georgia is planning for building as
well. Inflation numbers are ever changing and the Economic Alliance is looking to have logistic people to
talk about moving products, they will be hearing from the legislators to talk about this will be June at the
Post-Covid summit. Richard is speaking at the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce to talk about
cyber security. Richard said the Economic Alliance Board will be meeting to discuss applicants for the
Gary Stamper Memorial Scholarship.
Richard said the Economic Alliance has be working with the Port of Chehalis to recruit applicants within
their Port. There has been progress on hydrogen.
Richard said at the Legislative level, the Distressed Counties fund is looking to have areas identified as
distressed pockets for different grant options. The grain terminal has granted approval for the request
for proposal (RFP) that was submitted. The grain project has been funded and there will be updates to
ensure accuracy of pricing for construction due to inflation costs. The silos were ordered and the rail
spurs are ready.
Todd Chaput said he has been working with the Port of Chehalis for the ARPA request. This will actually
be a city of Chehalis request. They are working to identify a lead for the current city of Chehalis ARPA
requests.
Todd said the agenda for stakeholders is out to all those that RSVP’d. Todd said he would like for all the
Mayors within Lewis County to have the opportunity to be heard on how allocations for ARPA will be
used.
Richard said May 19th there will be an open house for the Fox Theatre.
Meeting adjourned at 11 a.m.