New economic impact report projects center will create over 300 jobs at $67K average wage.
Governor Jay Inslee has announced that the Port of Port Angeles’ Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) is one of five clean energy technology projects from around WA State to receive funding from the state’s Clean Energy Fund (http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/innovative-clean-energy-projects-gain-federal-attention-and-funding).
The CRTC was notified of $712,000 in matching funds from the state to help secure federal funding from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). The Port has offered up to $1,288,000 in matching funds to the EDA in support of this project. In addition, the Port has applied for Opportunity Funds from Clallam County to be used as match. These combined sources will support the $4M in infrastructure necessary to complete the building which will house the recycling center and Peninsula College’s Advanced Manufacturing - Composite Technology training program.
The CRTC will develop a reprocessing center to convert composite waste streams into useful products to create jobs and income while reducing negative environmental impact. For example, Peninsula College students have been making I-beams in their classroom lab, and these could be utilized for applications such as solar panel mounts. The CRTC is a joint project of the Port of Port Angeles, the City of Port Angeles, Clallam County and Peninsula College, with significant involvement from industry, workforce training and research partners across the US.
“The recycling center offers a unique opportunity for our community. The CRTC project is already starting to establish Clallam County’s as a global leader in carbon fiber composite recycling. Once we cut the ribbon on this state of the art facility, that leadership role will continue to grow,” said Jennifer States, the Port’s Director of Business Development.
Today the Port also released a new report entitled “Economic Impacts of the Composite Recycling Technology Center – A Brief Technical Report." This updated analysis from Olympus Consulting demonstrates the significant economic potential of the CRTC for the community.
According to the report; “The grand total is 338 new jobs at an annual average wage of $67,553 with average living wage premiums of $27,387. For economically distressed Clallam County, this would be a catalytic increase in economic welfare.”
The Washington State Clean Energy Fund, established in 2013, supports projects that develop, demonstrate and deploy clean energy technologies with potential to save energy, reduce energy costs, reduce carbon pollution and increase Washington’s energy independence.
Peninsula College provides educational opportunities in the areas of academic transfer, professional and technical, basic skills, and continuing education. The College also contributes to the cultural and economic enrichment of Clallam and Jefferson Counties. More information on their Advanced Manufacturing – Composites Technology Program can be found at: http://pencol.edu/proftech/composites-technology
The Port of Port Angeles is responsible for promoting and enhancing the economic vitality of Clallam County through business development and job creation, and serves the community as both a public steward and an economically self-sustaining enterprise. For more information regarding the Port’s CRTC efforts, click on the link below.