OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State House is following the Senate’s lead in pledging money to a restart of the Intalco Aluminum smelter.
The proposed House supplemental budget includes $10 million to pay for environmental upgrades to make it one of just two “green” aluminum plants in the U.S.
An investment firm continues to negotiate a deal to buy the Cherry Point facility from Alcoa and restore hundreds of jobs there.
The House proposal also includes $2 million to kickstart flood risk mitigation on the Nooksack River and money for the Nooksack Valley School District to fix flood damage.
It would provide funding to Whatcom County for several mental health measures, the Lummi Island Ferry and other local needs including broadband on Point Roberts.
The House and Senate plan on passing their budgets this week with negotiations over a final agreement expected next week.