King County scores big in stimulus money chase

June 23, 2009

Summary

First report required under Constantine legislation shows $79 million in funding to create or retain 192 jobs

Story

King County has been awarded nine federal economic stimulus grants totaling almost $79 million, funds which will be used to create or retain 192 jobs, according to a report issued by the County Executive’s office.

The report is part of an organized effort to maximize the benefits to King County from federal stimulus funding sponsored by Council Chair Dow Constantine. Another 22 county stimulus applications—totaling $78 million and creating another 602 potential jobs—are pending and King County has also worked with regional and national partners on preparing another nine grant applications.

“By adopting an organized game plan for pursuing federal stimulus funds, King County has already realized significant benefits, especially as it pertains to job creation and retention” said Constantine. “In these tough economic times, it is imperative we focus significant effort on bringing job opportunities to the citizens of King County.”

Among the grants obtained by King County were:

• An award of $400,000 to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to allow for the retention of prosecutor’s staff.
• An award of $1.5 million to the King County Road Services Division to construct a pedestrian walkway along the SW 98th Street corridor, linking the Greenbridge housing development to the downtown White Center area.
• An award of $408,355 to respond to the increased demand for health care for the homeless during tough economic times.

In mid-February, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) – the largest single infusion of stimulus funding ($575.3 billion) and tax cuts ($211.9 billion) into the economy in American history.

Constantine’s legislation, approved by the Council on May 11, designated the position of Recovery Act Coordinator in the King County Executive’s office, to identify appropriate grant opportunities and communicate timelines and rules to departments and separately elected officials to ensure timely submission of applications.

The ordinance also established a team of county and city government representatives led by the Deputy County Executive to help obtain permits for qualifying projects and to inform project proponents about the application process.

The June 22 report to the Council was the first in a series of monthly progress updates from the Executive to the Council required under the legislation. A new Web site has just gone online to keep the public apprised of King County’s progress in applying for and accepting stimulus fund grants – visit recovery.kingcounty.gov.