After missing out on federal funding awarded in July, Spokane’s Tech Hub for developing advanced aerospace has landed $48 million to launch the Eastern Washington effort.

The U.S. Department of Commerce on Tuesday awarded a $48 million grant to establish an aerospace manufacturing hub in Airway Heights that promises to make the Inland Northwest a national center for composite materials used in next-generation aircraft.

Private-sector heavyweights including Boeing and Blue Origin backed the creation of the tech hub in late 2023.

Federal funding, as well as industry and private commitments will establish a test bed for aerospace composite materials in the Pacific Northwest.

The hub will develop and manufacture lighter, more efficient materials for planes and other aerospace technology and then supply those materials to manufacturers.