By Mark Riker / For The Herald
When it comes to economic development, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that the picture remains unclear.
It is true there have been monumental efforts to invest in infrastructure both locally and nationally. It is also true that external pressures have resulted in raging inflation and rising interest rates as a countermeasure, while financial markets exhibit volatile behavior, and the path to new investment and job creation isn’t as clear as it should be.
During times like these, it’s more important than ever that we make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. The Goldendale Energy Storage Project — a pumped storage hyrdroelectric facility — is one such opportunity; and it’s not one we can afford to let slip away.
As executive secretary of the Washington Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents approximately 80,000 construction workers here in Washington, it’s my job to do what I can to help support a business landscape that is conducive to growth. Growth means investment. Investment means construction. And for our members, construction means jobs and careers, a living wage, and a means of supporting a family.
The Goldendale Energy Storage Project would be a landmark opportunity even during the best of times.
In today’s environment, the project has the potential to dramatically improve the outlook for thousandsof construction workers while also delivering serious benefits to the broader community.
This is, to put it another way, an undertaking that deserves every ounce of our support.
Upon the start of construction, the Goldendale Energy Storage Project would emerge as an immediate job creator and a community builder. It would generate over 3,000 family-wage jobs over its four-yearconstruction cycle and would infuse over $2 billion into the economies of rural Washington and Oregon along the way. Local governments would reap substantial benefits as well, with Klickitat County and communities along the Columbia River gorge set to receive millions in tax revenue. This money will no doubt be put to good use, supporting public services, infrastructure, schools and more.
As a member of the labor community, I’m deeply focused on avenues to encourage economic growth. But like so many other members of the labor community, I’m also committed to helping advance goals related to sustainability and clean energy. The Goldendale Energy Storage Project will provide a significant boost to these efforts as well.
The Goldendale Project would play an integral role in achieving the goals set forth in the state’s Clean Energy Transition Act, which call for Washington to reach 100 percent clean energy goals by 2045. The project will supply reliable, non-emitting electricity, enabling utilities to balance the demand of electricity with the rapidly changing energy supply. The Goldendale Project will provide the state with a local, clean energy source that will leave behind minimal environmental impact.
The merits of this project reach across a broad and diverse set of constituencies. Whether you’re an environmentalist or an economic development advocate, the benefits of the Goldendale Energy Storage Project are evident. And in today’s divided times, this kind of unity speaks volumes. This broad base of support even extends to the policy community. The Goldendale Project is considered a “Project of Statewide Significance” by the Washington state Legislature due to its investment in environmental improvements and innovation activities.
Like our Legislature and so many others, the Washington State Building and Construction Trades believe strongly that this project would serve as an example of how investment in renewable energy projects can make our communities stronger, our region cleaner, and our state more prosperous.
Those are goals worth pursuing no matter the circumstances. Against the backdrop of today’s uncertain times, initiatives like the Goldendale Energy Storage Project are deserving of our utmost attention and support.
Mark Riker is the executive secretary for the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council.
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