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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Deer Park awarded $4.7 million federal grant to improve infrastructure around industrial park

The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded Deer Park a grant to spur economic development at the Deer Park Business and Industrial Park.

The department announced Thursday the city will receive the $4.7 million grant, which will be used for infrastructure improvements around the industrial park to accommodate needs of existing businesses and encourage future development.

The grant will be matched with more than $1.2 million in local investment from the park’s property owners and is expected to help create more than 47 manufacturing jobs as well as generate $5.8 million in private investment, according to a news release.

“I’m proud of the team in the Deer Park community who have been working hard to expand the opportunities for people in northern Spokane County,” U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican, said in a statement. “This grant for local infrastructure improvements is critical to continuing their work to grow our economy and create jobs right here in Eastern Washington.”

The 140-acre privately-owned park is 10 miles north of Spokane and west of the Deer Park Airport. Tenants include Avista as well as Knight Construction and Supply’s subsidiaries, Knight EZ Dock Inc. and Knight Wall Systems Inc.

Knight EZ Dock is a supplier of custom and portable boat docks. Knight Wall Systems manufacturers and installs interior wall panels for buildings.

Spokane-based Metal Rollforming Systems is also planning to build a 10,000-square-foot building at the park, said Joe Tortorelli, city economic development consultant.

The city improved a portion of Cedar Road two years ago to accommodate Avista, Knight EZ Dock and Knight Wall Systems at the park. Now, the Commerce Department grant will fund sewer, water, lighting and sidewalk improvements and an all-season road to increase access to Deer Park Airport as well as 110 acres of industrial-zoned land.

“Deer Park has a median income of $22,000, so (the park development) will dramatically improve employment opportunities for the people of Deer Park,” Tortorelli said.

The city is anticipated to begin the infrastructure improvements next year.