Latest Progress Reports

Annual Report 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Funding Report Benchmark Summary Report

The Lower Yakima Valley, an area dotted with family farms in a pastoral setting, is the number one hops growing region in the country. The local labor market is filled with low-paying seasonal jobs that are insufficient to support a family. A major barrier to economic growth is the lack of skills training - vocational, technical and general employment. The strategic plan seeks to increase the availability of affordable safe and sanitary housing. Along with improved education, better housing will play an important role in stemming the tide of a rising crime rate. The community views increased educational opportunity for all its citizens as a key ingredient to sustainable community growth. Industries targeted are those that diversity the local economy, reduce dependence upon agriculture, and create and expand export markets for locally produced products. The lead entity is the Lower Yakima County Rural Enterprise Community.

Counties (Census Tracts): Yakima (0019, 002001)

Population: 14,011; Education less than high school: 33 % Based on 1990 census data

Poverty Rate: 28.99 %; Unemployment Rate: 9.8 %; Per Capita Income: $7,626

Job training: The Greater Grandview Partnership Workforce Training Program offers adult education and training classes to prepare underskilled workers for high quality jobs. Over 200 adults have received training in agricultural maintenance, English as a Second Language, nursing assistant certification, and resume writing. Sun Steel Corporation, a local manufacturer, has worked closely with the job-training program. It has hired graduates from the welding program and provides a skills-based pay structure and full benefits package to its employees.

Infrastructure Improvements: The Sunnyside water and sewer line extension to the municipal airport was completed in October 1997. The EC received a $476,100 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to supplement $716,000 of its own SSBG funding. Strong support from USDA, the City of Sunnyside, Sunnyside, Inc., Sunnyside Port District and local property owners and developers has ensured smooth implementation. Extension of services to approximately 500 acres of underdeveloped property will help with industrial recruitment, development and expansion.

Youth Facilities: Dedicated volunteers in Grandview created a Youth Latch Key Kids program to replace a recently shut-down YMCA program. Sunnyside Unity now holds a youth drop-in recreation center on Friday afternoons during the summer. The community is focused on finding funding for the youth programs.

Jobs created or saved: 230

Housing units built or improved 74

Leveraged funding: $17,207,775

Persons trained: 218

Youth served: 1,000

Contact:

Rural EZ/EC Home Page......Feedback