SPOKANE, Wash. – The federal government has in Spokane. This funding was initially provided through a U.S. Department of Commerce grant.
The project, known as the “Tech Hub Project,” had been approved by Congress during the administration of then-President Joe Biden. It aimed to bring manufacturing companies to Spokane to produce the next generation of airplane parts.
The U.S. Department of Commerce explained their decision to withdraw the funds, stating, “The process was rushed, opaque, and unfair- administration officials did not make prospective applicants aware of the competition and chose awardees using outdated applications submitted nearly a year earlier.”
Local industries involved in the application process expressed concern over the withdrawal. They viewed the tech hub as a significant advantage for both the region and the country.
“This is bigger than just Spokane,” Mark Mattke said. “It also keeps the United States in the pole positions when it comes to developing these technologies. We need to maintain our competitive advantage globally in working in this arena. And we get behind other counties that are going to be advancing in this including global competitors, including China, European Union, etcetera.”
The decision affects five other locations across the country. However, the funds are not lost. The Department of Commerce is reopening another round of applications, focusing on efficient use of the funds and no longer prioritizing unions. Spokane’s tech hub will have the opportunity to reapply for the funding.
