Community Outreach: Olympia
Olympia: Port Invests in Thurston County’s Small Cities
For six years, the Port of Olympia has been supporting local economic development through its Small Cities Program. Small cities are defined as incorporated cities within Thurston County (WA) with a population of 10,000 or less.
The program requires an equal cash match from the city. The port awards the funds after a city has completed the project and submitted the required information.
On April 13, the Commission approved funding matches for economic development projects in Bucoda, Rainier, Tenino and Yelm, at $10,000 each. Here is how the cities will use their 2015 Small Cities Program funds:
- Bucoda will continue the renovation of the historic Oddfellows Building into a community center that serves both residents and visitors. Included will be the purchase and installation of an emergency generator.
- Rainier will install wider sidewalks, bulb-outs and landscaping along State Route 507 to build downtown character and enhance the setting for local and visiting shoppers.
- Tenino will assist visitors and residents by installing directional signage to places of interest and commerce, coin-operated showers at the City Park, barbecues in the camp ground and benches along the sidewalks in the historic district.
- Yelm will continue construction work on its new community center (pictured above) in Yelm City Park, which is the heart of the Central Business District and historic downtown and within easy access of visitors and residents alike.