Whiskey could be the answer

The City of Tumwater is keeping a close eye on this legislative session.   It wants $3 million in the Capital Budget to begin development of a Craft Brewing and Distilling Center.

The money would be for land acquisition of approximately 3.5 acres of land along Capitol Boulevard and E Street – and preliminary design.   The city would work with a private developer.

Besides the money, a key element of this plan is South Puget Sound Community College.   The college’s Lacey campus currently offers a course in brewing and distilling.   If the Tumwater project comes to fruition, the city will build a 30,000 square foot educational facility to teach brewing and distilling.

The project is based on a feasibility study undertaken last year which shows the need for training and education in the art of brewing and distilling.

Currently, Washington ranks number five in the country in craft brewing.  Oregon is number one.   A new distillery opens every three months in Washington.  Our closest distillery is in Tenino.

For more information on the project contact Tumwater City Administrator John Doan at 754-4120.