Bill > HB1057

This bill aims to help local communities, especially in rural areas, access and secure federal funding for economic development projects by creating a new state support system. The bill establishes that many Washington communities struggle to compete for federal grants due to limited local resources, and it seeks to address this challenge by creating a "Moving Assets to Create Healthy Economic Development Account" with state matching funds. The Department of Commerce will now be required to actively assist communities by regularly reviewing federal grant opportunities, maintaining an inventory of potential grants, providing a resource guide for applicants, and preparing a template support letter for federal grant applications. The department must also develop scoring criteria to prioritize matching fund applications, considering factors like jobs created, households affected, and potential economic impact, with a particular focus on rural and frontier counties. Eligible entities such as political subdivisions, tribal governments, universities, utilities, and small businesses can apply for matching funds for projects spanning areas like broadband, housing, infrastructure, skills training, and workforce development. Starting in December 2027, the department must submit biennial reports tracking the use of state matching dollars, including details on support letters issued, successful applications, and federal funds secured. The bill intends to help local communities leverage state resources to access substantial federal funding and promote economic development across Washington.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1057&Year=2025&Initiative=false