Gov. Gregoire sends economic development funds to Tacoma

For Immediate Release: January 15, 2010

TACOMA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced she would direct $700,000 in state funds to investments in Tacoma to retain and boost business in the city.

�We can rebuild our economic future by all working together,� Gregoire said. �With the infusion of these funds, Tacoma will be able to make investments that will help it keep and attract businesses.�

Funds awarded today will leverage Tacoma�s efforts to encourage business expansion and job growth in the city�s downtown neighborhood. Specifically, the money will go towards infrastructure investments aiding in the redevelopment of the old Sauro�s site in downtown Tacoma. Together with other investments by the city, the funds pave the way for an expansion of DaVita Inc., which is expected to add more than 350 jobs in Tacoma. DaVita is one of the largest providers of dialysis services in the country.

Funds will be allocated from Washington�s Strategic Reserve Fund, which allows the state to rapidly respond to help make economic deals quickly and efficiently.

�Tacoma is open for business, and these funds will help us attract private investment,� Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland said. �With this money, we�ll be able to make our city center more attractive to business and create jobs.�