Washington Administrative Code Title 133 - Commerce, Department of (Community Economic Revitalization Board)
Washington Administrative Code Title 133 – Department of Commerce (Community Economic Revitalization Board)
Overview
WAC Title 133 contains the rules and regulations governing the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), which is an entity within the Washington State Department of Commerce. CERB’s primary role is to provide financial assistance to local governments and special districts for public infrastructure projects that support economic development and job creation.
Purpose of the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB)
The CERB was created to:
Support economic growth by financing infrastructure projects that enhance business development opportunities.
Help local governments improve public facilities that are essential to attracting and retaining businesses.
Promote job creation and retention across Washington State.
Provide low-interest loans and grants for projects such as water, sewer, storm drainage, transportation, and other public works directly tied to economic revitalization.
Key Functions Covered by WAC Title 133
1. Financial Assistance Programs
Establishes the policies and procedures for CERB loan and grant programs.
Defines the types of projects eligible for funding, including infrastructure that supports manufacturing, distribution, and other commercial activities.
Specifies application procedures, project evaluation criteria, and funding priorities.
Includes provisions on loan repayment terms, interest rates, and security requirements.
2. Application and Award Process
Rules on how local governments and districts can apply for CERB funding.
Detailed requirements for application materials, including project descriptions, economic impact data, cost estimates, and environmental reviews.
Guidelines for the Board’s review, scoring, and ranking of applications based on economic benefits, readiness, and community need.
3. Project Eligibility
Defines eligible projects, which often include:
Public utilities (water, sewer, stormwater)
Roads, streets, and bridges directly supporting economic development
Facilities that enable business expansions or relocations
Projects must demonstrate a clear link to job creation or retention.
4. Loan and Grant Terms
Specifies financial terms for assistance, including maximum loan amounts, interest rates, repayment schedules, and grant limits.
Describes conditions under which loans may be forgiven or grants adjusted.
Sets forth borrower responsibilities and reporting requirements.
5. Program Administration
Defines the roles of the CERB Board and Department of Commerce staff in managing the program.
Procedures for monitoring funded projects to ensure compliance with contract terms.
Policies for amendments, transfers, or early payoff of loans.
6. Appeals and Dispute Resolution
Provides mechanisms for applicants or recipients to appeal funding decisions.
Defines procedures for resolving disputes related to agreements or program administration.
Why WAC Title 133 Matters
It provides a structured and transparent process for distributing state resources that promote economic development.
Helps bridge funding gaps for infrastructure projects that might otherwise be delayed or unfunded.
Encourages partnerships between the state and local governments to strengthen Washington’s economy.
Supports job creation and business growth in both urban and rural communities.
Summary Table of WAC Title 133 Key Elements
| Area | Description | Purpose/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Assistance | Loans and grants for economic infrastructure | Support job creation and business growth |
| Application Process | Requirements and procedures | Ensure qualified projects receive funding |
| Project Eligibility | Types of infrastructure projects | Target investments with economic impact |
| Loan & Grant Terms | Terms, repayments, forgiveness | Manage financial risk and accountability |
| Program Administration | Roles, monitoring, compliance | Maintain program integrity |
| Appeals & Disputes | Procedures for resolving disagreements | Provide fairness and transparency |
Additional Context
CERB works closely with other state economic development programs and agencies.
Projects funded by CERB can significantly impact local economies by improving infrastructure critical to business operations.
WAC Title 133 is periodically updated to reflect legislative changes and evolving economic priorities.
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