2019-05-06 Update with EDCUpdate with EDC
May 6, 2019
1:16 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik Martin, Budget Services
Manager Becky Butler, Matt Matayoshi
Guests: Dr. Lindsey Pollock, Alex Brown
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Matt Matayoshi said he has spoken with Vader’s Mayor Pro Tem about possible future help securing
grant funding.
Matt discussed Thurston County’s outreach to China. He said he has signed a contract with a firm from
Germany to work on outreach.
Matt said Centralia College will soon launch its CDL simulator.
Matt said the next Smart Tank workshop is May 23, with the location to be determined. He said
workshops are taking place every other month.
Matt noted that the Legislature approved funding for FEMA, Winlock and the Rush Road interchange.
Matt said he is working with Benaroya regarding the $1 million shortfall on the Mickelson Parkway
project. He noted that Benaroya already has spent $1.8 million on the Winlock site and has committed
an additional $1.2 million for transportation.
Matt said the EDC is working with three wood-waste firms as well as a biotech group. Matt said he has
forwarded on to area firms information about available rural broadband grants. Commissioner Fund said
$25 million was taken from the state Public Works account for broadband.
Becky Butler said some other counties across the state are proving .09 Distressed Counties funding to
help with broadband.
Matt noted that the project to extend the Winlock waterline to the freeway has been completed.
Erik left at 1:39 p.m.
Matt asked Becky to work on policies for loan grant applications and processes regarding .09 applicants.
Becky also suggested creating a project close-out process.
Meeting adjourned at 1:42 p.m.