University Place, WA -– The City of University Place’s Town Center development got a lift from the State in this year’s legislative session. The State has approved a bill investing $12.5 million in infrastructure funding for the City’s proposed public/private mixed-use development. The funding will allow the City to continue construction of public infrastructure improvements needed to support a planned $300 million private sector investment.
“We are pleased that the Legislature has continued to demonstrate a commitment to economic development at the local level,” said Mayor Linda Bird.
The State’s grant is a milestone for the project, which when completed will provide the City with a sustainable tax base to pay for essential services. City Manager Bob Jean expressed thanks to State Representatives Troy Kelley and Tami Green, and State Senator Mike Carrell, who were instrumental in the bill’s passage. “Our legislators were very effective in demonstrating the financial benefits of this project not only to University Place, but also to the State and other local governments,” he said. The Council plans to recognize the legislators’ efforts at their June 1st meeting.
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Dan Grey says
While I agree this investment of State dollars is likely to reap dividends for the local community and the state, I want all those anti-government pro-business voices to take note. A pro-business UP City Council has not gotten a nickel of private investment into this project after many years. Why? Because the profit margin wasn’t high enough for people wanting to improve their bottom line. That is what happens when business sets the agenda for the community and the nation. They play when it pays but when it does not they stay on the sidelines and wait for government to ante up even more. Next time you hear business cry that they don’t get a break in Washington remember it is the tax payer, you and me, who pay for the infrastructure that allows business to make a profit.