Cantwell Announces $75 Million in New Federal Funding for Grassroots WA Projects

Cantwell Announces $75 Million in New Federal Funding for Grassroots WA Projects

50 community-driven transportation, infrastructure, and social services projects across WA get federal funding boost secured by Cantwell as part of Senate-passed "minibus" appropriations bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, announced that grants for 50 important community projects across Washington state were included in the final version of the third FY 2026 minibus appropriations bill, which passed the Senate today.

The appropriations package includes five spending bills that were negotiated on a bipartisan, bicameral basis and together represent 95% of the remaining budget for fiscal year 2026: Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Before passing the package, the Senate voted to remove a sixth bill that would establish FY26 funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - the agency that oversees ICE - and instead open a 2-week stopgap period for that bill, allowing dozens of important community-driven projects in Washington state included in the other five bipartisan bills to move forward while Congress continues to negotiate urgently-needed guardrails on ICE. Sen. Cantwell delivered a speech on the need for those guardrails on the Senate floor; video is HERE, and transcript is HERE.

In total, Sen. Cantwell helped secure $75,178,000 for 50 community-driven projects in 18 counties across the State of Washington.

Descriptions of each grant, organized by region, are below.

Olympic Peninsula:

The City of Port Orchard will receive $3,554,000 to make infrastructure and related utility improvements addressing safety, accessibility, and environmental resilience on Bay Street. This project will rebuild Bay Street 18 inches higher to address existing flooding conditions during high tides and winter rains. New sewer, water, stormwater and power utilities will support the new development. New sidewalks and pedestrian improvements will improve accessibility in Port Orchard's downtown.

The Hoh Indian Tribe will receive $3,150,000 to complete construction of a resiliency center, which is part of a larger community relocation project. The Hoh Tribe, located at the mouth of the Hoh River and Pacific Ocean, is at significant risk to severe weather and flooding events and is located in a tsunami zone. The Resiliency Center is a key piece of the relocation project. It will serve as an evacuation center for the Tribe and others in the area when needed and as a community center for the new community being built in the Hoh Highlands. Rep. Emily Randall (D, WA-06) also submitted a request for this project.

Jefferson County Workforce Housing will receive $1,500,000 to construct an affordable housing neighborhood to address the affordable housing shortage in the region. Infrastructure funds for the Mason Street Neighborhood will accelerate the development of 150 permanently affordable homes for the working families.

Northwest Maritime, based in Port Townsend, will receive $1,500,000 for its Blue Schools Initiative to create a one-year maritime pilot program for high school students to develop workforce-ready skills and competencies.

The Makah Indian Tribe will receive $1,200,000 to assist in purchasing 12 to 16 housing build kits to help address the Tribe's ongoing housing crisis. Rep. Randall also submitted a request for this project.

The Port of Port Angeles will receive $850,000 to clear old industrial equipment and infrastructure from the c?ix?íc?n (Tse-whit-zen) ancestral site to move forward as a space honoring tribal heritage. This project request will restore 6+ acres of Port-owned land surrounding the 20 acres under Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe ownership. After restoration, ownership of this land will be transferred to the Tribe for cultural stewardship and historical preservation. Rep. Randall also submitted a request for this project.

Northwest WA:

The Port of Skagit County will receive $1,750,000 to build a new Agricultural Innovation Center, to expand their existing agricultural businesses and to attract new businesses to the region. The Agriculture Innovation Center, consisting of a 40,000-square-foot building and 20,000-square-foot greenhouse, will provide space for expansion of existing value-added ag businesses.

The Port of Edmonds will receive $1,200,000 to undertake Phase 3 of their North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction to strengthen their aging seawall, protect local businesses and the surrounding environment, ensure access to the Port's marina, and replace the boardwalk. The project also protects a key multimodal corridor connecting to Washington State Ferries' Edmonds terminal and state-owned fishing pier. Rep. Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) also submitted a request for this project.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will receive $1,000,000 to fund construction of multimodal transportation and related infrastructure on the Alderwood Mall Parkway near Lynnwood from SR525 to 168th St SW. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01) also submitted a request for this project.

The City of Monroe will receive $850,000 to fund at-grade rail crossing elimination feasibility studies and related planning activities for future replacement grade separation crossings. These crossings currently separate neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, creating daily traffic delays and public safety risks due to frequent train activity. Rep. DelBene also submitted a request for this project.

The City of Mountlake Terrace will receive $850,000 to construct a daytime warming and cooling center and improve capacity as part of a resiliency project. This facility is the only daytime warming and cooling center in the city and one of only a handful located in Snohomish County. Rep. DelBene also submitted a request for this project.

The City of Edmonds will receive $850,000 to build a new food bank in a more convenient location, serving more individuals and allowing room for growth. It will be approximately 16,000 square feet and will include food bank facilities, a commercial/teaching kitchen, community meeting spaces, and engagement/meeting room spaces that will enable their current and future partners to provide additional services to their customers, most of whom are low-income. Rep. Larsen also submitted a request for this project.

The Port of Everett will receive $250,000 to rebuild the Port's existing Dock 1 in the South Marina. The new South Marina Terminal Replacement Project will replace the existing facility that has exceeded its useful life, with a new structure that will provide greater utility capacity to serve potential small cruise and passenger ferry service. Rep. Larsen also submitted a request for this project.

King County:

Evergreen Treatment Services, based in Seattle, will receive $3,040,000 to expand opioid use disorder treatment through an innovative care model that pairs an outpatient clinic with a fleet of mobile units delivering life-saving medication across Seattle and King County.

Northwest Native Chamber, based in Seattle and Portland, will receive $2,000,000 to expand its Technical Assistance Program, which provides free business support to help small business owners. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) also submitted a request for this project.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will receive $2,000,000 to support the Bellevue Grand Connection Crossing, a planned safe and vehicle-free crossing over I-405 in downtown Bellevue. This funding would be used to support engagement outcomes, ensuring that the crossing meets the community's needs, and equitably resolves connectivity, growth, and safety issues. Rep. Adam Smith (D, WA-09) also submitted a request for this project.

The City of Lake Forest Park will receive $2,000,000 to assist in the construction phase of the Lakefront Park Community Center Project. The Lakefront Park Community Center Project will provide multiple indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces that the City currently lacks. This would also include office space for the City to run the Community Center and grow its Community Development Department. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07) also submitted a request for this project.

The University of Washington will receive $500,000 to upgrade university building entrances and install computer automated locks and door closers to ensure buildings are compliant for disabled individuals. Rep. Jayapal also submitted a request for this project.

Seattle's Community Roots Housing will receive $350,000 to make critical capital repairs to The Jefferson, an affordable housing building on 12th and Jefferson that offers 20 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units for residents earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The Port of Seattle will receive $250,000 to purchase and install a new switcher locomotive at Pier 86 Grain Terminal. Rep. Jayapal also submitted a request for this project.

The City of Federal Way will receive $250,000 to relocate and renovate a Day Center to a more suitable and sustainable location. Rep. Adam Smith (D, WA-09) also submitted a request for this project.

Green River College will receive $250,000 to increase their electric automotive training curriculum, training, and research to support future STEM technicians in the automotive industry. Rep. Smith also submitted a request for this project.

The Puget Sound Regional Council will receive $500,000 to fund a regional study examining employment, transportation, and economic activity to plan for population growth, infrastructure needs, and economic development. Sen. Murray also submitted a request for this project.

South Sound:

The City of Tacoma will receive $1,000,000 to purchase two new Tacoma Fire Department pumper engines to protect the public from fire hazards. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) also submitted a request for this project.

The City of Puyallup will receive $850,000 to address critical pedestrian safety and accessibility issues along Meeker Street, which has a high volume of non-motorized users. Rep. Strickland also submitted a request for this project.

The Tacoma Housing Authority will receive $850,000 for the Salishan Hillside Phase I Renovation project which will preserve a former public housing property and provide 316 affordable housing units. Rep. Strickland also submitted a request for this project.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will receive $500,000 to fund preliminary engineering and related activities for the 54th Ave. E. and Taylor Way Corridor Improvement Project in Fife. Rep. Randall also submitted a request for this project.

Pierce Transit will receive $250,000 to make wayfinding and ADA improvements at Pierce Transit facilities. Rep. Strickland also submitted a request for this project.

Southwest WA:

The Washington State Department of Transportation will receive $3,350,000 to rehabilitate and provide infrastructure improvements for the Ceres Hill Bridge in Lewis County. The bridge has been posted for a 15-ton maximum load restriction since an inspection in 2022. This load restriction limits many public safety vehicles from crossing the Chehalis River to several residential homes and farms. Further, after recent bridge inspections it was determined that without rehabilitation soon, the bridge will need to be closed.

The City of Kelso will receive $3,250,000 for the Catlin and West Main Street Project to create new affordable housing units, a new library, and a new community center. Sen. Murray also submitted a request for this project.

The Port of Chinook will receive $2,700,000 to fund marina dredging at the port. Dredging the Port would support recreational boating and commercial fishing in Baker Bay, the Lower Columbia River, and adjacent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Conflicting dredging calendars with the Port of Ilwaco led to the interior marina moorage area of the Port not being dredged for more than ten years, with boats left in the mud at low tides. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03) also submitted a request for this project.

Council for the Homeless will receive $2,500,000 to construct a space to be used for project coordination in the region, for the purposes of engaging with and serving Clark County's unhoused population. Sen. Murray also submitted a request for this project.

Central WA:

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation will receive $4,265,000 to create a Village of Hope II, which uses tiny homes to support chronically homeless individuals and families while simultaneously providing support services. This funding will help expand service capacity from 22-44 people to 62-180 individuals. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04) also submitted a request for this project.

Benton County will receive $3,000,000 for the Three Rivers Recovery Housing project in Kennewick, which will establish clean residential units connected to counseling for up to 36 people in recovery to help them achieve permanent sobriety. Rep. Newhouse also submitted a request for this project.

The Port of Benton will receive $2,500,000 to fund initial construction and expansion of rail infrastructure at the Port. This will help the Port fix and upgrade existing rail including replacing defective ties, adding heavier rail on curves, and improving signals at key crossings to make the system safer and more efficient. It also includes engineering work for a future intermodal facility, which will bring in long-term jobs in shipping, logistics, and warehousing.

The Port of Quincy will receive $2,500,000 to fund the construction of a rail extension and related infrastructure for the Port. Quincy's manufacturing and food processing sectors require efficient and reliable freight transport to compete in national and global markets. Industrial properties on the northeast side of Quincy lack direct rail access, forcing businesses to rely on costlier and less efficient truck-based logistics. The Port of Quincy Rail Infrastructure Expansion Project will provide direct rail connectivity to additional industrially zoned properties in Quincy. Rep. Newhouse also submitted a request for this project.

Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake will receive $2,000,000 to remodel an existing clinic to support a new family medicine residency program that will support 12 family medicine residents per year in a rural community with a projected health workforce shortage. A provider needs assessment commissioned by Samaritan Healthcare in late 2023 identified an expected net need for more than 35 additional primary care providers (family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics) by 2028.

YWCA Yakima will receive $1,500,000 to complete construction of their second domestic violence shelter to help ensure no domestic violence victims in the area go without service due to limited area shelter capacity. The current YWCA Yakima's domestic violence shelter is at capacity and monthly crisis phone calls have increased significantly from 500 calls per month in the previous 5 years to over 1,000 plus crisis phone calls averaged per month in 2024.

Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, based in Walla Walla, which provides opioid treatment in Southeast Washington, will receive $1,000,000 to renovate a 14,400-square-foot facility that will have dedicated patient exam and procedure rooms, an expanded food pantry, a waiting room, and space for case management staff.

Klickitat Valley Health will receive $500,000 to establish a permanent MRI center to expand access to essential imaging services, enhance patient outcomes, support local job creation, and strengthen the long-term viability of this critical access hospital.

Center Senior Living in Grand Coulee will receive $1,000,000 for a project to turn an old elementary school into a 50-bed assisted living facility. Grand Coulee currently has no assisted living options.

The Safe Yakima Youth Mentoring Program will receive $200,000 to fund the program through the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Eastern WA:

The Washington State Department of Transportation will receive $4,000,000 to fund reconstruction of the Sullivan Road interchange at Washington State SR 290 in Spokane Valley. Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05) also submitted a request for this project.

The Northeast Public Development Authority will receive $2,000,000 to assist in the construction of a child care facility, providing needed slots in an area with limited child care options.

Spokane's Frontier Behavioral Health will receive $2,000,000 for a new integrated primary care and behavioral health clinic in Spokane to serve low-income patients. This clinic is needed in Spokane because Washington State Department of Health data show that in Spokane County overdose deaths for synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, skyrocketed 5,800% between 2017 and 2023. In 2017, Spokane County had close to zero known overdose deaths from fentanyl. By 2023, 83% of all overdose deaths in the county were related to opioids such as fentanyl. The clinic will include nine exam rooms, three of which will be dedicated to substance use treatment. The facility will include offices for care coordination to coordinate same-day connections to behavioral health services. It will also have meeting spaces, an onsite pharmacy, telehealth spaces, and 18 stalls of free, onsite parking. Once fully operational, the clinic will reach a projected 4,150 unduplicated patients.

The Port of Pend Oreille will receive $852,000 to fund the conversion of the Port's existing locomotive blast booth from a wet to dry blasting process which will expedite locomotive and equipment painting preparation, consume less energy, and eliminate the need for water heating and wastewater treatment. Rep. Baumgartner also submitted a request for this project.

The Kalispel Tribe will receive $717,000 to improve flood control and restore emergency access on Dike Road. Sen. Murray also submitted a request for this project.

Statewide:

The Washington State Hospital Association will receive $1,000,000 to run trainings, technical assistance, and simulations to help rural hospitals strengthen their maternity services. In Washington state, there are five counties with no available maternity services. Sen. Murray also submitted a request for this project.

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region's Build Northwest Export Accelerator will receive $1,000,000 to fund the development of an export task force that will support transportation, infrastructure, supply chain resiliency research efforts, and regional coordination. Sen. Murray also submitted a request for this project.