UPDATE: May 16, 2025 at 5:42 PM
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) shared her frustrations about the funding reversal as well.
“Let’s be clear: Donald Trump and his know-nothing Commerce Secretary are wrongfully ripping away federal dollars owed to Spokane—what is happening is unprecedented and nothing short of an outrage,” Senator Murray said. “This would have never happened under nearly any other administration—yet now we are all faced with a pointless and costly setback for Spokane’s economy and future.”
“As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will certainly do everything within my power to fight for Spokane and I do not plan to give this administration any cover for this outrageous decision,” Senator Murray added.
SPOKANE, Wash. – Mayor Lisa Brown released a statement Friday in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s recent decision to revoke funding for the Spokane Aerospace Tech Hub.
“The U.S. Commerce Department’s decision to rescind promised funding for our regional tech hub delivers an unnecessary setback to the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region. This stunning reversal undermines the hard work of public and private partners who have spent years preparing for this investment and the economic opportunities it would bring,” Mayor Brown said.
The Tech Hubs Program was created by Congress in 2022 with the goal of “strengthening U.S. economic and national security by commercializing the technologies of the future.”
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick released a statement Friday explaining the decision to reverse funding for various Tech Hubs, including Spokane.
“Regrettably, on its way out the door, the prior Administration announced awards to six Tech Hubs, even though the funds were not yet available,” Lutnick stated. “Moreover, 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unfair- administration officials did not make prospective applicants aware of the competition and chose awardees using outdated applications submitted nearly a year earlier.”
“At my direction, the Commerce Department is revamping the Tech Hubs program to prioritize national security, project quality, benefit to the taxpayer, and a fair process,” Lutnick added.
“This decision is a mistake for our regional and national economy. The $48 million in tech hub funding was a down payment to secure American competitiveness in aerospace manufacturing,” Mayor Brown said. “We deserve better, and I am calling on our congressional delegation to join me in demanding the Trump Administration reverse this decision.”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) responded to the decision Friday as well.
“This is an unnecessary delay in a very fast race for future aerospace jobs critical to America’s economic success. In the Economic Development Agency’s own announcement today, they confirm the Spokane Coeur d’Alene Tech Hub award,” Senator Cantwell stated. “So now why the delay? Are they actually trying to lose the race?”
“Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said at his confirmation hearing that he would not withhold previous awards from the Biden Administration,” Senator Cantwell added. “This is causing us chaos and uncertainty in a race against world competitors to build high rate manufactured composites likely to determine which country wins the aerospace future.”
