Joint Snake River Dam Letter
Last month, we worked with our regional chamber partners to submit comments against the breaching of the Lower Snake River Dam in Southeast Washington. The joint statement was in response to the draft report on dam removal sponsored by U.S. Senator Murry and Gov. Inslee. The draft study reviewed the cost and implications of the Lower Snake River Dam’s (LSRD) removal. It confirms that the LSRD removal would increase consumer costs, reduce the reliability of our energy grid, and decrease our region’s economic competitiveness. A final version of the Benefit Replacement Report was scheduled to be released at the end of July. According to the spokesman for Gov. Inslee, the final version is now expected to be released in mid-to-late August. You can read the joint letter here.
Federal Updates
CHIPS Plus
The U.S. Senate and House passed the CHIPS and Science Act last week and currently awaits the President’s signature. The $280 billion package will be making key investments that will benefit manufacturers, the supply chain, and promote research and development. The legislation will strengthen America’s competitiveness globally by investing $52 billion in the U.S. semiconductor industry and continue to push made in America manufacturing. Semiconductors are essential to nearly every sector of the economy, including aerospace, automobiles, communications, clean energy, information technology, and medical devices. The bill also authorizes funding for scientific research and development in key fields by investing in STEM education and workforce development. You can read more on the CHIPS Act here.
USDOT Propose Improvement to DBE Program
Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to update the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession DBE program regulations. These changes are in an effort of providing small and disadvantaged businesses a better chance to compete for federally assisted contracts made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. They will be hosting public meetings beginning July 27th and accepting written comments until Sept 19, 2022. Further details on the NPRM can be found here.
Business-Friendly Webinar Series
The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is partnering up with Employment Security Department, GSI and West Plains Chamber of Commerce to bring you important business webinar series. Last week we had the opportunity to learn about Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Federal Bonding. Please join us next month for our next installation as we cover Paid Family and Medical Leave and how employers can provide additional benefits called supplemental benefits.
- August 17th at 10 a.m. – Paid Family and Medical Leave
- Sept. 21st, at 10 a.m. – WorkSource resources and programs
Funding Opportunities
The Department of Transportation recently opened the application process for the $2.36 billion in grant funding for the Bridge Investment Program. The Bridge Investment Program is authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is available for bridge projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight. You can read more about the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the program here.
Government Action Committee
Join us for our next Government Action Committee on August 8th.
- When: Monday, August 8th
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce
Join us as we review the primary and prepare for the general election.
Register for our meeting here.
