The North Olympic Peninsula sits poised to receive a $35 million boost, following an announcement Aug. 5 from U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer and U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

According to the legislators, the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded the $35 million through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, which was created based on legislation authored by Kilmer.

The funding aims to create jobs and reinvigorate the North Olympic Peninsula economy.

And while it largely targets programs in Clallam County, Jefferson County also stands to gain.

“Jefferson County has been thrilled to be a part of the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Greg Brotherton. “Working together, we have developed a deeper understanding of our neighbors and partners on the Olympic Peninsula and with this award are excited to empower our prime age workforce as we develop our traditional economic sectors for a new era of environmentally sustainable economic development.”

The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan, led by Clallam County, aims to revitalize the marine and natural resources industries in the North Olympic Peninsula. The new funding aims to help the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition (NOPRC) drive renewed economic competitiveness and job opportunities in the region.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this unique opportunity to turn dollars into living wage jobs on the Peninsula,” said Betsy Davis, executive director of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. “We look forward to doubling the size of our marine systems program while continuing to teach the timeless skills and values of craftsmanship.”

Cindy Brooks, executive director of EDC Team Jefferson, called the grant a “game changer” for Jefferson County.

“Rural areas historically reliant upon a natural resource economy have been doing their best to recover as industries change, mills close, and technology evolves,” Brooks said. “A primary grant focus is reducing barriers and providing training for local people who have been affected by changes in the global market affecting their jobs and ability to create a livelihood. We are excited about the opportunities this grant will bring to support sustainable development and strengthen our community.”

In addition to Jefferson County benefits, the funding will support: the expansion of the Composite Recycling Technology Center, a facility that manufactures Advanced Cross-Laminated Timber (ACLT) in cooperation with the Makah Tribe; critical marine transportation infrastructure; and a workforce strategy with social support services. Through the coalition’s Recompete Task Force, tribal and county governments, local colleges, and economic development partners are poised to create and connect residents to jobs.

“The beautiful timber milled by the (Makah) tribe will be converted into our Advanced Cross Laminated Timber panel in our Port Angeles Building Innovation Center,” said David Walter, chief executive officer of the Composite Recycling Technology Center in Port Angeles. “It will allow us to create a quick-erect wall panel, which will make Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and tiny homes accessible and affordable.”

The Recompete Pilot Program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly lower than the national average, with the goal of closing this gap through flexible, locally driven investments. The program aims to support local economic development, create quality jobs, invest in workers and businesses, and ensure sustainable success and economic growth by providing targeted assistance and resources to address the unique challenges of persistently distressed communities.

The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition is led by Clallam County and supported by Jefferson County, and has grown to include multiple municipalities, tribes (Hoh, Makah, Jamestown S’Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, and Quileute), ports, economic development agencies, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and non-profits.

Out of 565 applications across the country, the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition was named one of 22 national finalists as part of phase one of the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program and is one of six awardees selected nationally for implementation funding.

“This funding is a big boost for the North Olympic Peninsula’s efforts to drive its own economic and environmental destiny,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.