Gov. Gregoire�s statement on federal investments to spur innovation and job creation in Washington state

For Immediate Release: September 28, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement, welcoming Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Washington state and recognizing the federal investments to spur innovation and job creation:

�Today�s infusion of federal funds to spur economic development is great news for Washington state. I�d like to thank Secretary Vilsack for visiting Seattle today, where he announced that research teams at both Washington State University and the University of Washington will each receive $40 million in federal grants aimed at developing regional, renewable energy markets, generating rural jobs, and decreasing America�s dependence on foreign oil. There�s no question we need to move toward a clean-energy future. These projects are a double win � they create much-needed jobs while encouraging innovation in biofuels and clean energy. Both are essential to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future.

�We also learned today that Washington state is the recipient of $1.6 million in federal dollars through the State Trade and Export Promotion grant program � one of the largest awards granted. These funds will help our small businesses � the lifeblood of our economy � export their products to emerging markets overseas. I commend President Obama for his ambitious National Export Initiative. Combined with our State Export Initiative I announced last year, we are seeing strong growth in state exports. These federal dollars will build on that success, encourage job creation and help our state achieve a full economic recovery.�