2020 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Tumwater Craft District, Lacey Food Bank & Capitol Lake SHARED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director
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February 2020
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The greater Thurston County Shared Legislative Partnership (SLP) is advancing three capital budget projects for the 2020 legislative session. Community leaders are working with members of the Thurston legislative delegation to advocate and seek support for these projects that are unique to the Thurston region. The new Craft District in Tumwater, currently under construction, will be a flagship location that champions Thurston County’s rich heritage in craft brewing and distilling and advances craft beverage and agriculture interests in the State. An Integrated Malt System & Storage combined with an innovative CO2 Recovery Device will further differentiate this unique and innovative district. The Integrated Malt System
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& Storage local allows grains grown from the surrounding region to be stored in a centrally located urban center. This makes growers and products more accessible by the brewers, distillers and students located on site, as well as those across the region. The CO2 recovery device harvests carbon dioxide gas from the fermentation process. The captured gas is used in later steps of beverage production, such as carbonation. The device reduces the need for purchase of industrial CO2 and off-sets the carbon footprint of all fermentation operations. The SLP requests $240,000 to help purchase these devices. The Lacey Food Bank is a new regional resource that will provide critical access to food to over 11,000 food-insecure residents in the Lacey area. The third and final phase of the project is the construction of a $2 million Client Services/Food Pantry building and parking area. This facility will provide thurstonchamber.com
