Creating the conditions for job creation and economic growth
Recompete is working with local partners to revitalize the natural resources, maritime, and manufacturing industries, which will create career pathways and strengthen the economy of the region. These sectors are the focus because they build on existing industries in the region, maximize our geographical advantages, and lead to high-wage, in-demand jobs.
North Olympic Peninsula Barging Network
With one main road on the Olympic Peninsula, freight transportation can be a challenge for businesses who need to move products. To address this challenge, the Port of Port Angeles is creating a barging network. Three barges of varying size and capacity will move cargo between communities on the Peninsula, regional urban markets in Western Washington and British Columbia, and farther down the West Coast, including Oregon and California.
The barging network will increase regional economic resilience and opportunity by attracting new businesses and allowing current businesses access to new markets. This solution also lowers freight transportation costs compared to trucking, increases access to freight among remote communities on the Peninsula, and create new jobs in the maritime industry.
The Port has purchased a spud barge (which has steel pillars or "spuds" that anchor the barge to serve as a temporary docking facility). The spud barge is currently awaiting maintenance and upkeep before becoming operational.
Thermal modification of locally sourced timber
Through the use of a thermal modification unit, Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) turns underutilized coastal wood species into high-impact building material. The products can then be used to create affordable modular housing units, which are in short supply in our region.
To meet increased demand, CRTC is purchasing a second thermal modification unit through Recompete, and anticipates creating 45 new skilled manufacturing jobs by 2030, plus ~30 indirect and induced jobs. This project will have a lasting impact on the economy by creating skilled manufacturing jobs, strengthening the local supply chain, addressing local housing shortages, and revitalizing the forest products and manufacturing industries.
CRTC anticipates receiving the unit later in the fall of 2026, with it running by the end of the year.
Natural Resources Innovation Center (NRIC)
The Natural Resources Innovation Center (NRIC) aims to revitalize the local forest products industry, generating new economic opportunities throughout the North Olympic Peninsula. NRIC serves as a regional hub that connects industry, investors, researchers, Tribes, and economic developers to foster value-added manufacturing, reduce waste, and support climate-resilient practices. NRIC aims to create high-wage jobs, stimulate entrepreneurial growth, and link rural communities to state and federal resources, ultimately positioning the region as a leader in natural resource innovation.
In support of this mission, the U.S. Department of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), awarded Clallam EDC $4.2 million—matched by over $1 million in local funds—for the Clallam Forest Product Innovation Program at NRIC. This $5.27 million investment will drive key initiatives such as redevelopment of the Forks Industrial Park, expansion of marine barging, creation of a forestry workforce program, and advancement of biomass-based manufacturing. The program will also support Tribal housing solutions using mass timber, test new green building materials, and develop industrial symbiosis strategies. These efforts will replace jobs lost in recent biomass facility closures, reduce wildfire risks, and generate high-wage employment across the region.
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