Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 3, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke signs rural economic vitality legislation in Toppenish

TOPPENISH — Gov. Gary Locke today traveled to this Yakima County town of 7,900 to sign important economic development legislation. Spreading the economic prosperity of the Puget Sound throughout Washington has been one of Locke's top priorities since he took office in 1997.

"This bill will help our state's rural economies participate in the economic prosperity of the Puget Sound region," Locke said. "By moving forward as one Washington, we are making the entire state a better place to live, work, and raise a family."

The bill Locke signed, E2SB 5594, expands the use of funding for rural economic development opportunities, creates flexibility in financing, addresses housing issues, establishes a rural-lending program, and clarifies grant and loan requirements.

"I wanted to come here to sign this bill because I think Toppenish symbolizes the potential that exists when a rural community gets targeted help with infrastructure," Locke said.

In 1995, Toppenish lacked infrastructure and needed state help to retain family-wage jobs in the community. Today, after receiving targeted help from the state, Toppenish has turned itself around and has created dozens of new jobs that exceed local prevailing wages.

"This legislation will bring new economic tools to all of Washington, but particularly to struggling rural areas," Locke said. "It represents a strategic and targeted approach to economic development that focuses on building the necessary infrastructure to help rural communities succeed in attracting, retaining and growing business in their communities."

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