Feds pull back tech hub $48m grant

The funds were to bring aerospace manufacturing companies to Spokane, creating jobs and fostering economic growth

SPOKANE

The US Department of Commerce recently reversed its decision to fund a tech hub in Spokane County, leading to disappointment and bipartisan opposition from local leaders. The funding, which was initially approved in January, was rescinded by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The Spokane Workforce Council (SWF), which played a key role in writing the grant, confirmed that the region will pursue additional funding in the next round, despite this setback. The original $48 million grant aimed to bring aerospace manufacturing companies to Spokane, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. Mattke learned about the locked-up dollars like everyone else — through a press release.

“They said that they felt that the process hadn’t been done in a consistent manner and wanted to go back out and just redo it to make sure there was a fair and objective means to arrive at the awards,” Mattke said.

Local congressional members are also opposing the move – including Rep. Michale Baumgartner (R-WA); however, the strongest blowback comes from Sen Patty Murray (D-WA). She described the move as “unprecedented” and “a pointless setback.”

Mattke expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “It’s great our congressional delegation stands firmly behind Spokane on this.”

The Spokane Workforce Council plans to pursue the grant for a third time. The next round of funding will have different criteria, focusing less on unions and more on the efficient use of public dollars, according to the Department of Commerce.

Mattke remains hopeful about the future, emphasizing the importance of Spokane’s role in technology development.

“If we’re left behind and don’t have technology being developed, then someone else gets to be the leader. I want the United States to be the leaders, and I want Spokane to play a role in that,” Mattke said.

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