Rep. Peter Abbarno honored by Thurston Economic Development Council for championing Agriculture Innovation Park

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) has recognized Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, for his leadership in delivering state capital budget funding for the Tenino Agriculture Innovation Park. This investment strengthens Washington’s food production, processing, and rural jobs.

Abbarno, assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee, worked to secure funding that moved the project from concept to construction. Phase I is complete, and Phase II – adding regional meat-processing capacity – is underway, advancing public-private efforts to support local producers and expand family-wage employment across southwest Washington.

“Communities win when local vision meets state investment,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “I am grateful for this recognition, but the real victory is for our farmers, small businesses, and families who will benefit from the Park’s jobs and stronger food supply infrastructure. I will keep working on the capital budget to back projects that grow opportunity and keep people rooted in their communities and right here in Washington state.”

In its resolution, the EDC commended Abbarno’s “long-time commitment to ensuring the region and state’s economy is vibrant and provides meaningful employment opportunities,” and noted he “worked tirelessly to ensure that the Agriculture Innovation Park is seen not just as a local priority, but one that is statewide and deserving of budget considerations.”

The Agriculture Innovation Park is a partnership driven by the Thurston EDC, the City of Tenino, and regional stakeholders focused on long-term capacity in food production and distribution.

More about the Agriculture Park can be found at: https://thurstonedc.com/representative-peter-abbarno-ag-park/

(photo caption — left to right: Michael Cade, Thurston EDC Executive Director; Jennifer Colvin, Colvin Ranch in Tenino; Wayne Fornier, Thurston County Commissioner; Rep. Peter Abbarno; and Malcolm Miller, Thurston EDC Board President and Deputy Mayor of Lacey)

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov