PORT ANGELES — Defying the slow machinations of bureaucratic procedure, Gov. Christine Gregoire presented members of the Bioenergy Task Force with a $50,000 check Friday — exactly one week after they applied for the money.
The state’s matching grant will help fund a feasibility study for an energy and steam plant in the West End that would feed on small, woody waste matter that is usually discarded.
“That is a fairly quick turnaround,” said a startled John Calhoun, Port of Port Angeles commissioner who is also the leading member of the task force, as he shook hands with Gregoire Friday at Clallam County Courthouse.
“It’s unheard of,” said Gregoire, who expressed support for the task force’s mission.
“What you’re proposing here to me is absolutely consistent with what we’re trying to do as a state,” Gregoire told task force members, which included Clallam County Commissioner Mike Doherty and Rod Fleck, Forks city attorney/planner.
“I believe one of the best economic development opportunities the state has is alternative energy,” Gregoire said.