Grant application letters being taken now

Municipalities and others with public infrastructure projects they hope to see make a list for possible grant funding in Okanogan County are being encouraged to send in a letter now.

The Economic Alliance said Tuesday it is accepting pre-application letters of intent to apply — from organizations, entities, municipalities, counties, private businesses and individuals in Okanogan County and the Colville Confederated Tribes — for the 2025 annual Okanogan County Public Infrastructure and Community and Economic development project prioritization process.

Interested applicants are asked to first submit a one-page letter of inquiry that briefly explains the type of project, scope of the project, timeline and outlines the anticipated request of the Economic Alliance. This is being done to ensure that applicants are eligible and soliciting appropriate support from the Economic Alliance prior to completion of the full application.

Submitted letters of inquiry will be reviewed by the Economic Alliance infrastructure committee, and appropriate projects will be invited to submit a full application.

Projects will be ranked into two categories — Public Infrastructure Projects and Community and Economic Development Projects, in part, based on the following: measurable economic benefits, measurable community benefits, fully developed plan, project readiness, workforce development and alignment with Okanogan County and Economic Alliance goals and objectives, local and regional support.

An application readiness workshop will be held Sept. 10, from 9-11 a.m. An RSVP will be required to attend.

The Economic Alliance facilitates the Okanogan County Public Infrastructure and Community and Economic Development application and review process on an annual basis and provides the Okanogan County Commissioners with a prioritized master list of projects. The deadline for the letters of intent to apply will be 5 p.m., Sept. 27.

Those with questions may contact Roni directly at 509-322-4634 or by email at rholderdiefenbach@economic-alliance.com.