Weekly Message from Doc - Highlights from Around Central Washington

Statement

Every August Congress is out of session and not voting, which gives me the opportunity to meet with the people I represent in Central Washington. This month, I've met with people from all over Central Washington, including Yakima, the Tri-Cities, Moses Lake, Okanogan, Quincy, Ritzville, Sunnyside, and many others. In small and large groups, I've talked with business owners and community leaders to get their views on issues of local and national importance. I've enjoyed listening to their concerns and would like to share with you a few highlights from my recent meetings and events.

Oftentimes, local community organizations are better able to assess the needs of our local veterans and can provide them with the support and services the government can't. I had the pleasure of recently visiting with veterans and touring the Wagenaar-Pfister House in Kennewick. The house was created by the Columbia Basin Veterans Coalition and operates as a transitional home for up to five veterans at a time, helping them assimilate back into society. With the help and donations from the community, the veterans home was established in September of 2011 and so far the home has helped 11 veterans get back on their feet. The hard work they are doing at the Wagenaar-Pfister House is both impressive and commendable.

Hastings meets with veterans at Wagenaar-Pfister House in Kennewick.

I also visited the Colville Tribe's fish hatchery at the Chief Joseph Dam. The hatchery opened on June 20th and will release up to 2.9 million Chinook Salmon annually. The hatchery was built in collaboration between the Colville Tribes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bonneville Power Administration, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, and the Grant County Public Utility District. This new state-of-the-art hatchery will increase Salmon for the Chinook tribe to catch, increase sport fishing along the Columbia River, and create jobs in the area. The facility is getting ready for its first hatch in the coming weeks and I look forward to staying updated on its progress.

Hastings tours fish hatchery at the Chief Joseph Dam.

In this challenging economy where Americans continue to struggle to find a job, it is encouraging to hear when local businesses grow and create jobs. I recently toured the Genie Industries plant in Moses Lake, where they manufacture hydraulic lifts and platforms used in the construction industry. Their plant manager showed me new products they are working on and described plans to increase production at the facility, which will create new jobs in Moses Lake.

Hastings visits Genie Industries facility in Moses Lake.

I always appreciate hearing the views of those in Central Washington whom I'm honored to represent. The easiest way to contact me is through my website at www.hastings.house.gov, where you can e-mail me and sign up to receive my e-mail newsletters.

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