The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) has awarded the
Port of Ilwaco a $620,000 grand to rebuild a dilapidated dock vital to the community’s interests in commercial fishing, and dredging around the dock area. The Port will improve the larger slips that are needed for whiting and sardine vessels that deliver to Jessie’s Ilwaco Fish Company, Ilwaco’s largest employer. Contingent upon the CERB investment at the Port of Ilwaco, Jessie’s will construct a new $4 million processing/freezing facility to grade, box-freeze and ship sardines and whiting. Dock improvements are necessary to retain 87 existing full-time jobs at Jessie’s and create 12 new full time jobs. CERB funds will be matched with $154,666 from the Port of Ilwaco. Total support for the project is $774,666.