Bucoda, Tenino projects recommended for funding by congresswoman
May 24—The 30-year-old fire engine that services Bucoda could soon see an upgrade thanks to federal funding requested by Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal.
On Tuesday, Gluesenkamp Perez announced that she had requested $1 million for the town to purchase a new fire engine and support the volunteer firefighters that service the area. The request for funds is one of 15 community project funding (CPF) applications Gluesenkamp Perez submitted that total $35.6 million, which range from a $2 million sewer extension project in Battle Ground to $5 million for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to remove sea lions on the lower Columbia River and tributaries.
According to Gluesenkamp Perez, the requests prioritize geographical diversity, community impact and support, and would help address some of Southwest Washington's most urgent needs.
"Across Southwest Washington, I've heard from community members and local leaders about much-needed projects that have the potential to transform our rural economies, support public health and safety, and get resources to those who need them most. In the coming months, I'm going to fight to bring our tax dollars home for these investments and work to ensure they have the greatest impact in our communities," Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement. "In March, I secured $21 million for projects all across our district, and I'm excited to build on that progress by requesting funding for 15 new, community-led projects."
Across Lewis County, the requests include funds for energy improvements at Adna Middle and High School, Lewis County public safety radio, and sea lion mitigation and salmon protection projects throughout the district.
Additionally, Gluesenkamp Perez requested $1.5 million for a meat processing facility at the Southwest Washington Agricultural Business and Innovation Park in Tenino. According to Gluesenkamp Perez, producers in Western Washington currently face delays of up to a year or face increased shipping costs.
The facility would service small and medium-sized businesses in 14 counties surrounding Thurston County, which the congresswomen said would result in much shorter waits.
According to a representative for Glusenkamp Perez, the requests will likely be rolled into funding bills that must pass by Sept. 30 to avoid a potential government shutdown.
Read about other Lewis County proposals in The Chronicle's previous coverage online at https://tinyurl.com/zx7cehxm.
