The Port of Port Angeles Board of Commissioners approved on Feb. 10 the new Community Partner Program, which offers matching funds of up to $65,000 in 2015 for use in trade promotion, tourism promotion, public education and awareness and economic development projects for small cities and communities in Clallam County.

Eligible Clallam County entities are public or nonprofit groups in the county.

The board determines the total funds available in any calendar year. Small cities and communities may submit proposals during the first quarter of each calendar year to the Port of Port Angeles for screening and prioritization.

Following the solicitation period, port staff forward all eligible proposals to the board before April 15.

The board then selects the community or communities and awards funds to the most worthy proposals, no later than May 15.

The number and value of individual awards may vary from year to year depending on the selections by the board, available funds and the proposals submitted.

Each small city or community then has until the end of the calendar year to spend the project money and submit supporting documentation to the Port of Port Angeles for reimbursement.

To learn more about the Community Partner Program, view an application online at portofpa.com/DocumentCenter/View/431.