PORT ANGELES – A new performing arts and event center in downtown Port Angeles has received a financial boost from the state of Washington.

The Field Arts and Events Hall will receive $2 million dollars from the state’s “Building for the Arts” program.

The news came just days an announcement the project will take a construction pause early next year as the COVID-19 pandemic has sharply hindered fundraising and stopped concerts and event for the foreseeable future.  They’ll use the extra time to find creative ways to raise a remaining $13 million dollars.

Center board President Brooke Taylor says even with the pause, the state has rated the Port Angeles project the number one priority project of its type in the state.

“We got a great shot in the arm with this notification. Our project had been ranked first in the state and recommended for the maximum $2 million dollar grant that happened with that panel of arts experts being fully aware that we were about ready to engage in this temporary construction pause. We told them right up front, and basically the reaction we got was that’s really about the only sensible business decision you could make under the circumstances we are in”

Taylor says construction will continue at the facility on the corner of Front and Oak streets through January. After that, crews will pull out and leave a building that will look finished on the outside, but will not be ready for performances.

Taylor says when construction would restart will be contingent on how the pandemic plays out.