News · Press Release

HARD WORK PAYS OFF: Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Secures Funding for Local Infrastructure

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez: “These investments are the nuts and bolts of how (the) government can serve the people”

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is continuing to deliver for her community, this time securing more than $21 million in federal funding for an array of local infrastructure and community projects. 

In particular, Gluesenkamp Perez secured nearly $6 million to construct a new childcare center in Lewis County, $4 million for affordable housing and pedestrian projects in central Vancouver, and $500,000 to expand the Port of Longview’s rail network and shipping capabilities.

DCCC Spokesperson Dan Gottlieb: 
“While Republicans waste time carrying out demands from their far-right party leaders, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez shows up day after day to deliver tangible results back home. That’s why her neighbors will re-elect Gluesenkamp Perez in November.”

You can find the full list of funded projects here.

The Chronicle: United Learning Center sees influx of additional state, federal funds
NCW News | March 11, 2024

  • The Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County’s plan to build a United Learning Center in Centralia received two major funding boosts last week, with nearly $6 million in additional funds set to come from the state and federal governments.

  • The funding could breathe new life into the project that aims to address Lewis County’s status as a “child care desert,” which is defined by the Center for American Progress “as any census tract with more than 50 children under age 5 that contains either no child care providers or so few options that there are more than three times as many children as licensed child care slots.”

  • “This funding will help construction on the United Learning Center get moving again — and it’s investments like these that can set our next generation up for success and put bright futures in reach for kids who need it most,” U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement to The Chronicle Monday. “I’ll continue looking for ways to help make this vital community resource a reality.”

  • In addition to advocating for the Early Learning Center project, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, announced Monday she secured more than $21 million through 15 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests, the maximum number of requests members of the house can submit.

  • “By bringing home over $21 million in federal funding, we’re investing in 15 much-needed projects that will make an incredible difference in communities across Southwest Washington. From strengthening clean water systems that keep folks healthy, to building infrastructure farmers and fishermen rely on, to getting the equipment necessary for rural public safety and trades programs — these investments are the nuts and bolts of how (the) government can serve the people,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement. “These spending bills took long enough, but it shows what can be accomplished when Congress puts patriotism over partisanship to focus on working families. While I’m glad I could bring this funding home, I’m incredibly grateful for the folks across Southwest Washington who will be putting in the legwork in the coming months to put these dollars to good use for the sake of their communities.”

  • In Thurston County, Gluesenkamp Perez secured $500,000 for the Thurston Economic Development Council to continue the development of a regional agricultural business and innovation park.

  • “This investment will help us further our goal of supporting the regional ag economy, as well as build resilience into our food supply chain, in addition to creating local jobs and strengthening community,” Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier said in a statement. “We are very grateful for Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s support and dedication on this project and all that she has done for supporting South Thurston County.”

The Columbian: Heights District Development in central Vancouver gains $4M federal grant for infrastructure
William Seekamp | March 12, 2024

  • The first federal investment in the Heights District Development in central Vancouver was announced Monday by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania.

  • The $4 million investment comes from the appropriations package President Joe Biden signed into law Saturday. The money will be used to make initial infrastructure improvements.

  • “From strengthening clean water systems that keep folks healthy, to building infrastructure farmers and fishermen rely on, to getting the equipment necessary for rural public safety and trades programs — these investments are the nuts and bolts of how government can serve the people,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement.

The Sunnyside Sun: Port of Longview rail expansion to break ground in August
Caleb Barber | March 13, 2024

  • The Port of Longview will receive $500,000 in federal funding to expand its rail network to meet growing demand for shipping products.

  • The funding, secured by 3rd District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, was awarded to the port to compensate for a 40% increase in cost for the project, which has so far received $18.5 million in federal funding and $5 million in state no-interest loans.

  • Trains entering or leaving the port need to be broken up to fit on the rail tracks, which slows the loading and unloading process and drives up costs for the freight company, a representative from the port said, so lengthening the tracks and adding car storage will drive down costs and time constraints for the freight companies and port tenants.

  • The project includes lengthening two existing rail tracks by 1,000 feet for a total of 8,500 feet, adding two new 8,500-foot rail tracks and constructing a six-track rail embankment adjacent to the current rail corridor.

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