Hanford contractor donating $100,000 to Tri-Cities coronavirus relief fund

The Bechtel Group Foundation is pledging $100,000 to the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties to help nonprofits respond to those needing help during the new coronavirus pandemic.

The money will go to the local United Way’s COVID-19 Response Fund which is distributed to Tri-Cities area nonprofits that are feeding the hungry and addressing the mental and behavioral health impacts of the pandemic.

“This generous gift provides an incredible infusion to help individuals and families struggling with hunger, depression, family violence and abuse,” said LoAnn Ayers, president of the local United Way.

Local nonprofits have been draining their savings at a time of extraordinary demand to help the community, Ayers said.

Bechtel National is building and starting up the Hanford vitrification plant for the Department of Energy and has been a member of the Tri-Cities community for more than 40 years.

“By supporting the United Way’s fund, we are supporting many nonprofits working at the frontlines helping those in greatest need,” said Valerie McCain, Bechtel principal vice president.

Bechtel Group Foundation has established a $3 million Bechtel Relief Fund to support nonprofits in areas around the world where Bechtel Corp. has projects. It is the largest disaster response in the foundation’s 66-year history.