SPOKANE, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Commerce announced it is pulling funding from the Tech Hubs program, including funding set aside for the Spokane Aerospace Tech Hub.
The DOC made the announcement Friday, saying the funding was awarded to six Tech Hubs, including the one in our region, even though the funds were not yet available.
“The U.S. Commerce Department’s decision to rescind promised funding for our regional tech hub delivers an unnecessary setback to the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region. This stunning reversal undermines the hard work of public and private partners who have spent years preparing for this investment and the economic opportunities it would bring,” said Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown.
The DOC said the process to approve these tech hubs was rushed and administration officials chose awardees using outdated applications.
DOC added it is revamping the program to “prioritize national security, project quality, benefit to the taxpayer and a fair process.”
“This decision is about fairness and making prudent choices with hard-earned taxpayer dollars,” The DOC posted on its website. “The process will be transparent, fair, and ensure that American taxpayers are investing in the best technological advancements to bolster the growth of critical industries in the United States.
Mayor Brown criticized this move by the DOC.
“This decision is a mistake for our regional and national economy. The $48 million in tech hub funding was a down payment to secure American competitiveness in aerospace manufacturing,” she said. “I am calling on our congressional delegation to join me in demanding the Trump Administration reverse the decision.”
Congressman Michael Baumgartner (District 5) also released a statement on this funding cancellation:
“Today’s decision by the Commerce Department to re-compete Tech Hub grants is disappointing. The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) isn’t closing today—but this delay, which could stretch a year or more, puts the entire effort at unnecessary and potentially irreversible risk,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “The Department is walking away from a selection process it has already completed, undermining the work of more than 50 committed local, academic, federal, and industry partners who stepped up in good faith,” Baumgartner continued.“That said, if the Department insists on re-competing these funds, Spokane will be ready. The AAMMC offers unmatched capabilities in aerospace materials, backed by the strength of institutions like Fairchild Air Force Base, Gonzaga, Eastern, and Whitworth. I will fight to ensure this process is fair and transparent,” he added.
The Tech Hubs program was established in 2022 and has awarded more than $541 million in funding to different programs. The program has 31 designated Tech Hubs across the country in Phase I completion.
For more information on the DOC Tech Hubs program, click here.
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