WashingtonSB 60032025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning the capital budget.

Sponsored By: Yasmin Trudeau (Democratic)

Became Law

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153 provisions identified: 97 benefits, 38 costs, 18 mixed.

More money for efficient appliance rebates

Beginning April 1, 2026, efficient electric equipment rebate funding rises from $30 million to $45 million. The law provides $35 million for rebates through outside administrators and $10 million for adult family home heat pumps. Rebates focus on low- and moderate-income households, renters, nonprofits, and small businesses. At least 40% must serve low-income, vulnerable, or overburdened communities. Money is available through June 30, 2027; the law sets no individual rebate amount.

New financing help for energy upgrades

The law provides $25 million for energy-efficiency and renewable-energy financing through Washington Builds. This includes $5.8 million for residential credit support and $17.4 million for commercial energy efficiency. Home financing prioritizes low- and moderate-income households and those unable to get traditional financing; higher-income households may also qualify. Commerce cannot spend the money until the selected nonprofit changes its name to Washington Builds. The nonprofit must meet governance, lending review, consumer protection, conflict disclosure, audit, website, and annual reporting requirements. Another $25 million described for 2027–29 depends on committing both funding pools and reaching financing leverage targets of 15:1 for residential funding and 3:1 for commercial funding.

Flood repair help reaches more homeowners

Low-income home rehabilitation funding increases to $10 million. The law reserves $5 million for projects affected by the weather event described in emergency proclamation 25-07.2. These projects can be anywhere in Washington's flood-impacted areas, not just rural areas. The expanded geographic eligibility applies to 2025–27 funds. The law does not set an individual grant amount.

More homebuying help for low-income households

The law provides $130 million for affordable homeownership projects serving first-time, low-income buyers. Funds support down payments, closing costs, buying homes, repairs, and new construction. Buyers generally qualify up to 80% of area median income, adjusted for household size; department-defined rural projects can serve buyers up to 100%. Commerce must strive to invest at least 20% with organizations led by and serving their communities. The law reserves $2.5 million for Orchard Gardens but sets no individual assistance amount.

Wildlife and recreation grants retain funding

The law carries forward $11.095 million for 2017–2019 wildlife recreation grants: $3.809 million for farm and forest, $3.33 million for habitat, and $3.956 million for outdoor recreation. It carries forward $91.243 million for the 2023–2025 program: $8.635 million, $44.585 million, and $38.023 million in those same accounts. The respective section totals remain $80 million and $120 million, with requirements from the cited 2022 and 2024 laws still applying. For 2025–2027 mitigation projects, $500,000 moves from the Limited Fish and Wildlife Account to the Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Account. Total mitigation project appropriations are $13.5 million.

Flood and basin water funds shift

The law funds Floodplains by Design with $75.783 million for 2025–2027. It also funds Yakima River Basin Water Supply with $52.02 million. Both appropriations now use the Natural Climate Solutions Account instead of the State Building Construction Account. Their stated amounts do not change, and both remain subject to section 8018 of this law.

More funding for safer school buildings

Small-district modernization grants add $31.027 million from the school construction account and $18 million from the climate account. Specified modernization grants total $245.282 million; projects require legislative approval and inclusion in the named capital project lists. Climate money only funds construction components and equipment that improve energy efficiency or reduce greenhouse gases on specified projects. Lead-removal grants rise from $1 million to $3.5 million for districts, charter schools, and state-tribal compact schools, covering pipes, fixtures, filters, and related labor. School earthquake site assessments rise from $663,000 to $1.093 million, administered by the Department of Natural Resources.

More modernization funds for small schools

Funding for the 2023–25 Small District and State Tribal Compact Schools Modernization project rises by $3 million. Total funding increases from $211.88 million to $214.88 million. Carried-forward funds remain subject to section 5003, chapter 375, Laws of 2024, as amended by section 7072. The money supports school buildings, not direct family payments.

More financing for drinking water projects

The law raises the 2025–27 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund state match from $25 million to $31.92 million. Its stated total rises from $125 million to $159.6 million. Planning and engineering loan funding doubles from $3 million to $6 million; projected future costs add $24 million, for a $30 million total. Transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account to drinking-water assistance previously had a $12.5 million yearly ceiling. New ceilings are $15.522 million for fiscal year 2026 and $16.398 million for fiscal year 2027. These changes finance water projects, not direct household payments or guaranteed water-bill cuts.

More infrastructure funding for local governments

Public Works Board grants and loans for local infrastructure rise from $365 million to $379.5 million. Projects must qualify under chapter 43.155 RCW. Revised funding includes $40 million from the building construction account and $339.5 million from the taxable building construction account. The prior $265 million Public Works Assistance Account appropriation is removed. Reimbursements must spend the two construction accounts first; this funding goes to local projects, not household checks.

Funding protects existing affordable homes

The law provides $90 million to preserve affordable housing through major repairs, system replacements, and buying at-risk rental properties. Acquired rental properties must enter the Housing Trust Fund portfolio for at least 40 years. Existing portfolio projects require a capital needs assessment before contracting and cannot use these funds to expand capacity. Buildings older than 15 years serving very low-income and extremely low-income people receive priority. Funds also support repair or replacement of farmworker housing, affordable apartments, and manufactured or mobile home communities affected by emergency proclamation 25-07.2. Those weather-event projects are exempt from RCW 43.185A.150 requirements.

Home energy rebate funds carry forward

The law carries forward $116.171 million for the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program. That includes $33.322 million in Climate Commitment Account funds and $82.849 million in federal funds. The program total stays $163 million, including $46.829 million spent in earlier budget periods. This funding provision does not set household eligibility or individual rebate amounts.

More funding for affordable rental housing

Housing Trust Fund funding rises from $535 million to $631.3 million for housing serving low-income and special-needs populations. It supports building, buying, and buying and repairing affordable housing. The multifamily rental allocation rises from $215 million to $265 million. Separately, funding for named housing projects rises from $22.236 million to $59.065 million, restricted to the listed projects. These include CasaMiA, Everett Bridge Housing, Hidden Village Mobile Home Park, Hillsdale Town, and HopeSource Teanaway Court.

Community college upkeep shifts funding sources

Community and technical college preservation and smaller projects receive $169.974 million. The funding includes $2 million from the Model Toxics Control Capital Account and $167.974 million from the State Building Construction Account. The state construction share rises from $96.806 million, replacing $71.168 million previously assigned to the college capital account. The total stays unchanged; the money supports college facilities, not direct student payments.

More school construction and earthquake safety funding

School construction assistance rises by $20.513 million, from $425.065 million to $445.578 million. The money is limited to qualifying public school construction projects. Earthquake-safety grants rise by $13.9 million, from $151.451 million to $165.351 million. North Beach Junior/Senior High School and Hoquiam K-6 Consolidation become eligible. Earthquake-safety funding remains limited to the projects listed in the law.

Recent local projects lose approved funding

The 2024 local project budget falls to $133.799 million in carried-forward funding and $231.55 million in total program funding. Funding lapses for ODT land purchase, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Consultation, Mount Vernon’s SPARC Capital Campaign, and Oak Harbor Economic Development. It also lapses for Lake Stevens’ Cedarwood Community Recreation Center redevelopment and the South Seattle Community Food Hub. The 2025 budget falls to $51.308 million in carried-forward funding and $64.672 million in total program funding. That budget loses funding for the South Seattle Community Food Hub, Bremerton Mason County Sewer Expansion, District Distributed Antenna System Installation, and Seattle Storm Center.

Earlier behavioral health facility funding shrinks

Carried-forward 2023–25 Behavioral Health Community Capacity Grants decrease to $254.917 million, with the program total reduced to $290.976 million. Funding for Bellingham's Whatcom 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center has lapsed. Separately, 2022 Crisis Stabilization Facilities funding falls from $25.689 million to $24.736 million. That program's total falls from $48.302 million to $47.349 million. These changes reduce facility funding, not a stated individual healthcare payment.

Less funding for affordable housing projects

The law cuts Apple Health and Homes permanent supportive housing funding from $100 million to $43 million. The remaining amount includes $4.25 million reserved for Maple Court. It also reduces carried-over 2023–25 Housing Trust Fund money to $433.181 million, with a $516.04 million program total. Funding has lapsed for the African diaspora cultural anchor village in SeaTac, CoLead Northgate in Seattle, and Crail Cottages.

Local projects get grants with safeguards

The law funds March 9, 2026 project lists: $55.706 million for COM-2-2026 and $45.046 million for COM-3-2026. Commerce must contract for another $30.507 million in projects listed in COM-1-2026. All three lists follow section 8006; COM-1 and COM-3 also follow section 8007. Listed local grants range from $4,000 to $5.05 million and pay only after recipients spend money. Recipients generally need 10 years of site control and enough spent or firmly committed nonstate funding to finish a usable phase. Projects generally require prevailing wages, cultural-resource consultation, and continued use for the grant's purpose; violations require repayment plus interest.

Agencies must use approved climate calculations

Agencies spending Climate Commitment Act account money must use an Ecology-approved tool or method to estimate greenhouse gas reductions. This requirement applies when the spending is expected to reduce those emissions. It does not create a household payment or eligibility rule.

Echo Glen heating funds change accounts

The law funds Echo Glen Upper Campus's main boiler and heating-and-cooling replacement with $8.2 million. The money now comes from the Climate Commitment Account instead of the State Building Construction Account. The stated project amount does not change. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families oversees the facility.

Funding for water and habitat projects

The law provides $8.977 million solely for eight listed water conservation projects, including canal work, leak repairs, and creek restoration. It provides $1 million in federal funds for Little Hoko River floodplain restoration. It also provides $2.02 million for Skokomish timber land acquisition and $100,000 for Sprague Lake restoration. Another $183,000 in previously approved funding continues Soos Creek hatchery renovation.

Game farm relocation and cleanup required

Fish and Wildlife must list possible Bob Oke Game Farm relocation sites by December 1, 2026, considering its own land first. Reviews must cover water supplies, protected aquifers, access, nearby land uses, costs, timelines, and consultation with affected governments, utilities, tribes, and conservation districts. The agency must request design funding for 2027–29 and relocation and full cleanup funding for 2029–31. Cleanup plans must include soil and groundwater monitoring, prevention of further nutrient leaks, and review of treatment and restoration options. Until relocation, the agency must follow its waste discharge permit and report compliance steps to legislative committees and budget officials by December 15, 2026.

Historical society preservation money carries forward

The law carries forward $108,000 for the Eastern Washington State Historical Society's 2021–2023 minor preservation work. The stated project total is $778,000. This is preservation funding, not a household payment.

Historical Society receives preservation funding

The Washington State Historical Society's 2025–27 preservation appropriation increases to $2.325 million. A separate $40,000 Climate Commitment Account appropriation is restricted to the Clean Building Energy Audit and Incentive Grant. These funds support institutional buildings and energy-audit work, not direct household payments.

Local emissions projects keep state funding

The law carries forward $26.368 million for local emissions-reduction projects. This includes $19.713 million from the Climate Commitment Account and $6.655 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account. The program total remains $38.67 million, including $12.302 million already spent in earlier budget periods.

More funding for Capitol Lake restoration

Capitol Lake–Deschutes Estuary Project funding rises from $14.75 million to $25.209 million. The law provides $15.95 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account and $9.259 million from private or local sources. Within that funding, $300,000 is reserved for continued right-of-way property acquisition.

More funding for Open Doors village

Open Doors Multicultural Village funding rises from $12 million to $13.8 million. The building construction appropriation remains subject to section 8018 of the law. This supports the named capital project; it does not specify resident eligibility or household payments.

More funding for Volkswagen settlement projects

The law adds $22 million for Ecology’s designated Volkswagen settlement projects. It also carries forward $60.278 million in previously approved funding. These funds support projects, not direct household payments.

More funding for youth agency facilities

Echo Glen secure facility improvements receive $2.5 million in current funding, up from $800,000. The total project amount rises from $13.354 million to $15.054 million. Children, Youth, and Families' minor works appropriation rises from $5.578 million to $6.668 million. Its estimated future costs rise from $22.312 million to $26.672 million, bringing the listed total to $33.34 million. This funds facilities, not new household benefits or eligibility rules.

More funding to clean polluted sites

Current tire cleanup funding rises from $1 million to $4.2 million; the total program amount rises from $5 million to $9 million. Twin Bridges Road cleanup receives $1.6 million each from the Waste Tire Removal and Model Toxics Control Capital accounts. Those two allocations are only for that tire pile. Ecology's 2025–27 cleanup settlement projects rise from $650,000 to $1.15 million. Natural Resources environmental mitigation funding rises from $997,000 to $1.327 million.

More grants for forests and fish

Community Forest Grants for 2025–27 rise from $6.248 million to $9.372 million. Only projects in capital lists RCO-5-2025, dated April 26, 2025, and RCO-1-2026, dated March 9, 2026, qualify. The Recreation and Conservation Office can retain no more than 4.12% of the total grant award for administration. Family Forest Fish Passage funding for 2025–27 rises from $7.904 million to $11.404 million. The added $3.5 million comes from the Natural Climate Solutions Account.

More money to preserve corrections facilities

Corrections facility preservation receives $8.2 million in current funding, up from $6 million. Estimated future budget-period costs rise from $24 million to $32.8 million. The listed total rises from $30 million to $41 million. Future estimates are not current appropriations, and the provision creates no household payment.

More older funding for coastal projects

Carried-over building construction funding for 2019–21 Puget Sound restoration rises from $5.24 million to $5.624 million. Its section total remains $49.507 million. Funding from that account for the 2019–21 Coastal Restoration Initiative rises from $567,000 to $649,000. Its section total remains $12.086 million, with existing conditions under section 3208, chapter 413, Laws of 2019.

More older funding for youth sports

Carried-over building construction funding for 2021–23 youth athletic facilities rises from $4.376 million to $4.695 million. The section total remains $11.227 million. Existing conditions remain under section 3217, chapter 332, Laws of 2021. This supports facilities, not individual payments or guaranteed access.

More planning money for youth rehabilitation

Youth rehabilitation planning and design funding rises from $3 million to $5 million; $500,000 is only for early planning. The department must plan renovations and a secure facility east of the Cascades, considering geographic access and facilities serving no more than 50 youth. It must consider renovated facilities ready by the end of fiscal year 2029 and consult trauma-informed justice and design experts. Its 2027–2029 budget plan must cover capacity, populations served, operating costs, and Harbor Heights relocation and closure. Harbor Heights must remain open until all residents transition. East-side planning must consider local facilities or a county partnership for short-term juvenile adjudications, with progress reported by June 30, 2027.

Okanogan cannabis site gets soil cleanup pilot

The law provides $4 million for Commerce to contract with a nonprofit or local government for an Okanogan County DDT cleanup pilot. The site must be no larger than 50 acres and used by at least 10 cannabis producers. Cleanup may include capping contaminated soil and adding topsoil when Commerce finds that approach more cost effective. Commerce must report project status by June 30, 2027. If current funding cannot finish the pilot, it must request additional 2027–29 capital funding.

Police training facilities get upgrade planning funds

The law provides $252,000 for accessibility upgrades at the Criminal Justice Training Commission facility. Another $350,000 funds only evaluation of an indoor shooting range on the Burien campus. Consultant selection must consider firing-range design and construction experience and local permitting experience. The proposed range project's total cost cannot exceed $75 million; this award does not fund its construction.

Puget Sound restoration funding carries forward

The law carries forward $39.497 million for 2023–2025 Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration projects. This includes $8.008 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account and $31.489 million from the State Building Construction Account. The section total remains $59.165 million. Requirements in section 3063 of chapter 474, Laws of 2023, still apply.

Snow Creek Resort buildings face demolition

Fish and Wildlife must complete building demolition at Snow Creek Resort. The agency must use existing appropriations. The law adds no money for this work.

Spokane police academy expansion funding continues

The law carries forward $1.15 million solely for the Spokane Academy Expansion project. Total program funding is $2.314 million, including $1.164 million spent in earlier budget periods. The money supports a criminal justice training facility, not household payments.

State buildings get repairs and security funding

The law provides $4.257 million for OB2 facility improvements and $228,000 for Madrona building tenant improvements. It provides $250,000 for Legislative Building repairs and $345,000 for Capitol Campus window film. Campus ballistic-glass security gets $500,000: $300,000 for feasibility, design, and cost estimates, plus $200,000 for level 5 mobile panels. Beginning April 1, 2026, the Secretary of State gets $140,000 for Tumwater Area Access, available through June 30, 2027. These awards fund state facilities and projects, not general tenant benefits or household payments.

State custody facilities get safety funding

The law provides $6.115 million to replace the Special Commitment Center's emergency backup generator. It also provides $1.8 million for security doors and locks in Green Hill School sleeping rooms. The funding supports emergency power and facility security without creating household payments or changing service eligibility.

State parks get accessibility and entrance improvements

The law provides $5.189 million for state park projects that meet Americans with Disabilities Act access requirements. Of that amount, $189,000 is reserved for a staff position supporting the work. It also provides $630,000 for Millersylvania State Park’s welcome center and entrance changes.

Flood-hit communities get recovery project funding

The law provides $26.157 million for disaster and flood projects listed in LEAP document COM-5-2026, dated March 9, 2026. Those awards are subject to section 8006. Local governments get $10 million for emergency public works affected by the weather event in emergency proclamation 25-07.2. Affected counties get $2 million for flood assessments, with grants capped at $300,000 per county. Up to $200,000 supports state administration and county help; counties must coordinate with relevant waterway or flood-control districts. Another $3.1 million funds removal of waterway debris from that event, favoring projects that best reduce downstream flood risk.

More funding for Chehalis flood protection

Chehalis Basin habitat and flood projects receive $69.779 million, up from $67.779 million. Another $5.25 million supports the basin office and board's staff and operations. The board must approve projects for habitat restoration, flood damage reduction, or both. This funds regional projects, not direct household payments.

New funding for local water projects

The law provides $14.61 million from the Model Toxics Control Capital Account, limited to five listed projects. Moses Lake Well 29 treatment receives $810,000, and Roy well improvements receive $1.5 million. Spokane County West Plains PFAS work receives $7.5 million. Quincy industrial wastewater system repairs and replacement receive $4 million, and Summit Pacific Medical Center culverts receive $800,000.

More funding for behavioral treatment facilities

Beginning April 1, 2026, funding for listed behavioral health facilities rises from $49.847 million to $64.259 million. Projects include Castle Building Purchase, Compass Health’s Friday Harbor Facility, and Yakima Behavioral Health Hub. This money is limited to listed projects and remains available through June 30, 2027. Separately, carried-over funding for the Child Study and Treatment Center’s Ketron expansion rises from $2.731 million to $3.226 million. Its program total rises from $3 million to $3.504 million.

More funding for community dental facilities

The law raises dental facility funding from $5.483 million to $7.483 million. The added $2 million supports HealthPoint, International Community Health Services, Peninsula Community Health Services, and Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. Money pays for construction and equipment tied directly to dental facilities. Projects must address unmet patient needs, improve access, and remain in use for at least 10 years.

More funding for social service facilities

Social and Health Services' 2025–27 minor facility work rises from $8.414 million to $12.664 million. Estimated future costs rise from $33.656 million to $50.656 million, producing a listed total of $63.32 million. Spokane skilled nursing facility funding rises from $8 million to $18.9 million. That money is only for land, needed off-site utility and easement work, and facility design. These provisions do not set resident eligibility, fees, or direct payments.

More funding for veterans home cooling

The Washington Veterans Home heating and cooling retrofit's total funding rises from $750,000 to $4.55 million. The revised carried-over appropriation is $874,000. The total also includes $3.676 million already spent in earlier budget periods. This funds facility work, not direct payments to veterans.

State hospitals get safety upgrade funding

The law provides $1.94 million to replace fire doors in WSH Building 27. It also provides $250,000 for security measures at Eastern State Hospital. These awards support facility safety, not household payments or changes to patient eligibility.

More funding for housing and family shelters

The law provides $10 million to buy, renovate, or prepare property for rapid conversion into housing or shelters. Eligible organizations must add capacity for extremely low-income households. Options include supportive housing, transitional housing, tiny homes, indoor emergency housing, and indoor shelters. Commerce must prioritize multifamily projects and fast moves out of homelessness; funds cannot cover operations, maintenance, support services, or debt payments. The law also provides $4.5 million solely for Mary’s Place Emergency Family Shelter.

Neighborhood weatherization grants encouraged across Washington

Commerce is encouraged, when feasible, to fund at least two neighborhood weatherization projects. One is east of the Cascade crest and one west. Each project must cover multiple homes in an area where overlapping environmental, social, or economic problems may harm residents. Commerce determines which areas qualify; this provision does not guarantee awards or specify grant amounts.

Veterans housing heating funds change accounts

The law funds heating and cooling replacements at two Department of Veterans Affairs transitional-housing buildings. Roosevelt Barracks receives $5.576 million, and the Betsy Ross Building receives $4.356 million. Both projects now use the Climate Commitment Account instead of the State Building Construction Account. Their stated funding amounts do not change.

School grants fund healthier indoor air

Air-quality grants provide $7.841 million for districts with more than 3,000 students and $9.659 million for smaller districts. Grants fund assessments, heating and cooling systems, filters, and related improvements for student health and safety. When requests exceed funds, priority goes to districts lacking systems, falling below current energy-code performance, or having outdated or underperforming equipment. Districts with the least financial capacity also receive priority. Prioritized assessments for larger districts must include professional estimates of the cost to fix problems.

Agriculture gets laboratory and equipment funding

The law provides $2.186 million for the state Department of Agriculture's Plant Services Lab in Prosser. It also provides $4.636 million from the Climate Commitment Account for the department's climate-smart agriculture equipment activities. These provisions do not state individual award amounts or recipient eligibility rules.

Campus modernization faces tighter cost oversight

Enterprise Services must consult legislative facilities committees at least every other month and track campus modernization funding by subproject. It must notify the project executive team of projected overruns, including future two-year budget costs. If costs still exceed funding after cost-saving reviews, it must offer at least three cheaper options without reducing square footage. Before work exceeds funded amounts, a team majority must agree on a cheaper option or tentative revised budget. A tentative revised budget requires the department to seek additional funding in its next budget request.

Clean energy project funds carry forward

The law carries forward $10.713 million for Clean Energy Funds 3 and $1.258 million for Clean Energy and Energy Freedom. Clean Energy Transition 4 receives $5.787 million. Energy-efficiency and solar grant programs receive $533,000 for the 2019–21 program and $12,000 for another earlier program. Public-building energy retrofits receive $1.497 million. Each allocation remains subject to its earlier authorizing law; these are project grants, not direct household payments.

Community solar projects keep earlier funding

The law carries forward $2.859 million for Commerce's 2023–25 Community Solar program. Including $3.141 million spent in earlier budget periods, the stated program total is $6 million. Funding remains subject to section 1020, chapter 375, Laws of 2024. The provision does not state household eligibility or a direct benefit amount.

Medical Lake expansion gets capital funding

The law provides $6.755 million for the WSVC Phase V facility expansion in Medical Lake. That includes $6.08 million in federal funding and $675,000 from the State Building Construction Account. The provision funds expansion work but does not change individual service eligibility or provide household payments.

More charging grants for local communities

Community electric vehicle charging grants rise from $23 million to $36 million, including $3 million for Longview's Cowlitz MHD ZEV Depot. Grants fund Level 2 or higher chargers, prioritizing multifamily housing, public charging, schools, government buildings, and public hospitals. Projects must involve local governments, federally recognized tribes, or utilities serving Washington retail customers. Projects must provide public benefits through energy savings, lower energy costs, cleaner air, or greater state energy independence. Awards can cover up to 100% of project costs; administration can use up to 3% of funding.

More money to preserve state facilities

The law adds $235,000 for state facility preservation work. The listed project total rises from $6.83 million to $8.005 million. That total includes future budget-period cost estimates, which rise from $5.464 million to $6.404 million. Those estimates are not new current appropriations.

Odessa irrigation project gets design funding

The law provides a $3.2 million grant to the Columbia Basin Irrigation District. The money is only for design and engineering specifications for the remaining acres in the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project. It funds irrigation infrastructure planning, not direct household payments.

Point Whitney appraisal gets funding and deadlines

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $55,000 to appraise the state-owned Point Whitney property's fair market value. The appraisal prepares for an anticipated sale and transfer to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe; it does not complete that transfer. Fish and Wildlife must contract for the appraisal by June 30, 2026. Otherwise, Natural Resources must complete and provide it by December 1, 2026. Funding is available through June 30, 2027.

State broadband projects keep earlier funding

The law carries forward $19.875 million in federal funding for the 2022 Broadband Office and broadband projects. Including $30.125 million spent in earlier budget periods, the program's stated total is $50 million. Funding remains subject to section 7017, chapter 474, Laws of 2023. This is project funding, not a direct household payment.

State campuses get energy planning funding

Commerce gets $650,000 to rank state campus energy projects and study service contracts, partnerships, and financing barriers. It must report cost estimates and recommendations by June 30, 2027, for the 2028 supplemental capital budget. Priority goes to systems near failure or past, or nearing, the end of their useful lives. Separately, $9.237 million funds only design of a replacement Capitol Campus heating and cooling system. Enterprise Services must report at 90% design completion, or as soon as feasible, on timing, funding, changes, and contractor safeguards. It must consider construction over three to four two-year budget periods, report overruns, and offer lower-cost options when requesting more funding.

Tribes get clean energy project funding

The law provides $38.591 million for tribal clean energy and climate resilience projects. That includes $20.097 million for a tribal grant program and $18.494 million reserved for eight listed projects. Grants support planning, design, construction, early development, and deployment. Funded clean energy projects must contribute to state greenhouse-gas reduction goals and related policies.

Trust land revenue forecasts get funding

Natural Resources gets $100,000 to report projected trust revenues for fiscal years 2027–2032 by December 1, 2026. The report must show federal grant trust and state forest transfer land trust revenues by asset class and county. It must also project resource management and forest development account balances. The reporting requirement does not change household taxes or benefits.

Water and heating project funding moves forward

The MCC water and heating-and-cooling piping project gets more of its funding in the current budget period. Its current appropriation rises from $13.897 million to $27.772 million, while carried-forward funding rises from $25.691 million to $25.892 million. Projected future-period costs fall from $41.691 million to $27.816 million. The stated project total stays $84.717 million.

Columbia River ports get channel project funding

The law provides $5 million for property and infrastructure tied to Washington ports' lower Columbia River channel maintenance duties. The ports are expected to develop a full financial plan relying mainly on nonstate funding. This award does not commit the state to funding in future two-year budgets.

More grants for community backup power

The law provides $20.65 million for solar and battery storage grants. This includes $20 million for eligible projects and $650,000 for Northshore Senior Center battery storage. Grants can cover up to 100 percent of project costs, including eligible planning and early development work. Commerce prioritizes grid-connected storage that serves people during outages or supports critical services. Projects can provide backup power, improve grid reliability, and reduce energy costs.

More energy funding for public buildings

The law provides $20 million for 2025–27 public-building energy upgrades: $11 million for grants, $5 million for state facilities, and $4 million for Seattle Central College’s EcoDistrict. Each competitive round reserves at least 20 percent for eligible projects in towns with 5,000 or fewer residents. Commerce favors higher energy savings per dollar and applicants without grants in earlier budget periods. Commerce sets matching requirements, but state-agency grants need no match and require a life-cycle cost review. Funded heating systems must avoid fossil fuels when possible and most cost-effective. Separately, Seattle Energy District Electrification funding rises from $2.5 million to $4 million.

New grants for clean energy projects

The law provides $35 million for clean-energy projects in 2025–27. It assigns $26 million to competitive grants, $5 million to tribal projects, and $4 million to a research test bed. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory test bed requires enough federal funding. Commerce selects projects based on state energy policies, public benefit, matching funds, equity, and environmental justice, and works with tribes. Applicants must disclose public funding and state-employee ties during the prior 24 months; conflicts or ethics violations disqualify applications. Commerce may end grants for ethics violations in obtaining or carrying out the grant.

Cleaner energy funding for affordable apartments

Commerce receives $10 million for grants or loans to affordable apartment projects in the Housing Trust Fund portfolio. The money supports cutting emissions and moving away from direct fossil-fuel use. Each award must complete the financing package for the requested work. Projects providing meaningful benefits to vulnerable people in overburdened communities get priority.

Funding backs named affordable housing projects

Infrastructure program funds provide $2.55 million for Skyway Homeownership and $600,000 for Finch Green Housing. Bayside Housing receives $2.5 million; Commerce cannot require low-income households to occupy more than half its homes. A separate $78.824 million funds listed affordable housing projects. Those awards include $3.45 million for Cloverdale Cottages, $7.05 million for Lake City Affordable Housing, and $8 million for Thornton Village Ferndale. These are project awards, not direct household payments.

Funding protects affordable manufactured home communities

The Northwest Cooperative Development Center gets $17.5 million for community purchases and preservation, plus $10 million for cooperative repairs. Preservation requires at least half of homes to remain occupied by low-income households, with affordability protected for at least 40 years. Cooperative repair awards must reflect residents’ health, safety, and cost needs. A separate Commerce program provides $10 million for purchases and preservation, plus $7 million for maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure. That program requires at least half of homes to house households earning no more than 100% of local median income, with affordability lasting 40 years.

Housing investment goal for tribal households

Commerce must strive to direct at least 10% of specified housing funds to projects benefiting low-income tribal households. Projects can provide affordable rental housing, homeownership housing, or both for federally recognized Washington tribes. Commerce must use a separate application process and review standards, giving priority to tribal communities with the greatest need. The 10% figure is an investment goal, not a guaranteed allocation.

More financing options for housing connections

Local governments and public utility districts can receive deferred loans, as well as grants, for qualifying affordable housing connections. Funds help cover waived utility connection charges and related street improvements. The $30 million low-income allocation allows both forms in cities or counties with 150,000 people or fewer; the $5 million moderate-income pilot remains grants. Project jurisdictions must impose a sales and use tax authorized by a statute listed in section 1014(1)(c). Separately, Port Townsend Utility Connect is exempt from its grant's 24-month construction-start deadline.

More funding for healthier efficient homes

The 2025–27 Weatherization Plus Health appropriation rises from $35 million to $46 million. Its Climate Commitment Account share rises from $25 million to $36 million. A separate earlier program receives $8.236 million in carried-forward funds; its $40 million total includes $31.764 million already spent. Relevant grants are limited to low-income weatherization, community-scale weatherization, and the Community Energy Efficiency Program. These provisions do not set household award amounts.

More housing funding for low-income farmworkers

The law provides $13.3 million for facilities housing low-income migrant, seasonal, or temporary farmworkers. Commerce must prioritize areas with the greatest need. Qualified health and safety projects can also receive funding. The law does not set payments to individual workers.

Planning help for affordable housing projects

Commerce receives $3 million for planning and technical help before affordable housing construction or preservation. Awards follow the state’s affordable housing assistance rules. By January 1, 2027, Commerce must report to the governor and lawmakers on recipients’ success in securing additional financing.

Repair funding protects affordable housing residents

The law provides $9 million for urgent repairs, hazardous-material removal, and structural safety work. Eligible housing includes permanent supportive housing and multifamily affordable projects in the Housing Trust Fund portfolio. Each grant is capped at $200,000, but Commerce cannot cap an organization’s number of awards or total funding. Permanent supportive housing gets priority when requests exceed funds. Another $1 million funds work to prevent water and fire damage in the same eligible housing.

Replacement housing funded for seasonal farmworkers

The law provides $1 million solely to replace seasonal farmworker housing in Monitor Park. The housing was damaged by the weather event identified in emergency proclamation 25-07.2. This funds replacement housing, not direct payments to workers.

Seattle funds land for affordable homeownership

Seattle receives $6.05 million to buy a specified state transportation parcel, inventory number 7-17-15910. The project must provide at least 50 affordable, owner-occupied homes. The law does not set household purchase prices or direct payment amounts.

Central Washington campus upkeep receives funding

Central Washington’s $8 million for 2025–2027 smaller campus projects moves to the State Building Construction Account. Its $1 million for equipment upgrades also moves there from the university’s Capital Projects Account. For the 2023–2025 preservation project, the law renews $1.136 million in earlier funding and adds $700,000. These funds support campus work, not direct student payments.

College buildings and campus moves funded

Washington State University's Spokane team-health education facility gets $7 million in new funding and $2.786 million carried forward. Its $14 million stated total includes earlier spending, and the money is only for design and renovation. Central Washington University's capital account provides $700,000 for North Academic Complex moving costs. Cascadia College's CC5 Gateway Building gets $5 million plus $429,000 carried forward, solely for construction. Cascadia's project must rank ahead of new major projects in the community and technical college board's 2027–2029 capital request.

College repairs and training facilities gain funding

Shoreline's Allied Health, Science and Manufacturing replacement receives $901,000 in carried-forward state construction funds, up from $893,000. Its section total stays $47.44 million. Spokane Apprenticeship Center receives $2.996 million, up from $2.995 million, with its section total unchanged at $3.368 million. College infrastructure replacement receives $4.266 million from that account, up from $4.13 million; total carried-forward funding is $5.663 million. Its section total stays $40.3 million, and section 5033, chapter 375, Laws of 2024 still governs the funds.

Community colleges receive building energy upgrades

The law provides $2 million for community and technical college building tune-ups. It provides another $2 million for heating-and-cooling controls that match building schedules. Each program lists $8 million in projected costs for future budget periods, not current appropriations. The law does not specify household utility savings.

More renovation funding for early learning facilities

Beginning April 1, 2026, early learning minor-renovation grants rise from $9 million to $14.9 million. The Ruth LeCocq Kagi Early Learning Facilities Development Account appropriation rises from $81.128 million to $87.028 million. The money supports eligible organizations renovating facilities and is available through June 30, 2027. It does not provide direct payments to families.

More upkeep funding for two universities

Washington State University’s 2025–2027 preservation and smaller-project appropriation increases to $51 million. Its stated program total is $255 million. Eastern Washington University’s 2025–2027 appropriation increases to $19.8 million, with a stated total of $117.588 million. The money supports university facilities rather than direct student payments.

Named schools receive repair project funding

The law provides $237,000 for Acme Elementary modernization and $6.227 million for Lawton Elementary. Maritime 253 gets $5 million, including $1 million from the Model Toxics Control Capital Account; TOPS K-8 gets $3.5 million. Whitworth Orca K-8 receives $3.6 million for roof replacement. Two Eatonville High School projects get $140,000 and $166,000, while Finley School District gets $1.5 million for heating and cooling. Funding is only for these named projects.

State account funds Washington university repairs

University of Washington facility funding moves from its Building Account to the State Building Construction Account. This covers $10.3 million for major infrastructure, $39.35 million for renewal, and $3.9 million for Tacoma power repairs. Campus preservation funding also moves: $4.53 million for Bothell, $22.08 million for Seattle, and $5.415 million for Tacoma. A separate $6.577 million in previously approved major-infrastructure funding remains in the university’s Building Account. These changes fund facilities through a different account; they do not create student payments.

State funds Evergreen and Western campus work

Evergreen’s $15.144 million for 2025–2027 smaller campus projects now comes entirely from the State Building Construction Account. This replaces $6 million from that account and $9.144 million from Evergreen’s Capital Projects Account. Western Washington’s $5.524 million for academic facility renewal also moves from its Capital Projects Account to the state account. The law changes funding sources, not these project totals or direct student payments.

State studies changes to school construction aid

The state education office must study proposed school construction aid changes and estimate their costs. Topics include planning, a model for defining school needs, modernization in stages, simpler forms, grade groupings, and enrollment forecasts. The office must request implementation and rule-writing funds in its 2027–2029 capital budget request. It must explain adaptations needed to fit administrative rules or state law. This law requires planning, not implementation of the proposed changes or a specific funding award.

State studies yearly public works wages

The law provides $100,000 to study annual wage adjustments in public works contracts, without requiring those adjustments. The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board must examine using the latest prevailing wage as the yearly minimum. It must study project costs and delivery, including possible exemptions and phased implementation. Findings and recommendations are due December 1, 2026. During 2025–2027, the Capital Community Assistance Account can fund the study, but spending still requires an appropriation.

Universities receive energy and infrastructure funding

The Climate Commitment Account provides $47.5 million for phase one of the University of Washington's power-plant electrification and campus hot-water loop. It also provides $1.5 million for Washington State University's Ensminger Pavilion infrastructure and $7.134 million for Eastern Washington University's solar array. The State Building Construction Account provides $1 million for Washington State University's creamery energy-efficiency work. It provides another $1.491 million for Central Washington University's Electrical Grid Security Feeder 14 project. These grants fund campus projects, not household energy rebates.

Washington State research projects receive funding

Washington State University receives $400,000 from the Natural Climate Solutions Account for soil-health research infrastructure. It also receives $500,000 from the State Building Construction Account for virtual fencing and climate resilience. These are university project grants, not payments to households.

Western Washington gets more repair funding

Western Washington University's preventive maintenance and building-system repair appropriation increases to $4.114 million. That project's stated total becomes $22.184 million. Its Minor Works Preservation and Program appropriation increases to $8.15 million, with a stated total of $48.15 million. The money supports campus upkeep, not student payments or specified household savings.

More funding for rural economic opportunities

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law adds $110,000 in Rural Washington Loan Account funding. It also carries forward $903,000 from that account for the Economic Opportunity Grants Authority. The section total is $1.013 million, available through June 30, 2027. The provision sets no borrower eligibility rules, loan terms, or direct household benefit.

Less carried-over funding for coastal restoration

Carried-over Natural Climate Solutions funding for 2023–25 estuary and salmon restoration falls from $11.11 million to $11.028 million. Total carried-over funding is $20.682 million, while the section total stays $25.419 million. Coastal restoration and resiliency funding from that account falls from $7.928 million to $7.852 million. Its total carried-over funding is $15.556 million, while the section total stays $18.062 million. Existing conditions remain under sections 3016 and 3014, respectively, of chapter 375, Laws of 2024.

Less carried-over funding for farm carbon

Carried-over Natural Climate Solutions funding for agricultural carbon storage falls from $5 million to $2.318 million. The section total remains $5 million. Existing conditions remain under section 3038, chapter 375, Laws of 2024. The law does not set individual farmer payments.

Less carried-over funding for forest projects

Carried-over Natural Climate Solutions funding for Encumbered Lands acquisition falls from $15 million to $500,000. Its section total remains $15 million. Wildfire reforestation funding from that account falls from $8.971 million to $7.756 million, while its section total remains $10 million. Existing conditions remain under sections 3034 and 3035, respectively, of chapter 375, Laws of 2024.

Less carried-over funding for landowner restoration

Carried-over Natural Climate Solutions funding for streamside restoration with landowners falls from $21.938 million to $15.258 million. Total carried-over funding is $16.552 million, while the section total remains $35 million. Existing conditions remain under section 7056, chapter 474, Laws of 2023. This funding change does not itself impose duties on households.

Less carried-over funding for salmon projects

Carried-over Natural Climate Solutions funding for 2023–25 fish barrier removal falls from $36.487 million to $35.298 million. Total carried-over funding is $56.321 million; the section total remains $70.605 million. Salmon Recovery Funding Board grants for streamside restoration fall from $24.854 million to $23.496 million from that account. Their section total remains $25 million. Existing conditions remain under section 3015, chapter 375, Laws of 2024, and section 3074, chapter 474, Laws of 2023, respectively.

Less carryover for community energy projects

Carried-forward Climate Commitment Account funding for 2023–25 Community EV Charging falls from $77.502 million to $64.612 million. Its unchanged $105 million total includes $40.388 million spent in earlier budget periods. Funding carried forward for 2023–25 Community Solar Resilience Hubs falls from $31.212 million to $26.064 million. Their unchanged $38 million total includes $11.936 million already spent. These changes do not establish household rebates.

Less carryover for tribal climate grants

Carried-forward Climate Commitment Account funding for Tribal Climate Adaptation Pass-through Grants falls from $43.076 million to $32.606 million. Total program funding remains $50 million. That total includes $17.394 million spent in earlier budget periods.

Less climate carryover for salmon recovery

Natural Climate Solutions Account carryover funding for 2023–25 Salmon Recovery Funding Board grants falls from $25 million to $23.615 million. Total carryover funding across accounts is $106.057 million, while the section total remains $120 million. The carried-forward funds remain subject to section 3012, chapter 375, Laws of 2024.

Less financing for tanks and heating oil

Funding for the 2019–21 Underground Storage Tank Capital Financing Assistance Program falls from $12.5 million to $5.5 million. The 2017–19 Underground Storage Tank Capital Financial Assistance Program falls from $12.7 million to $10.7 million. The 2023–25 Heating Oil Capital Financing Assistance Program falls from $8 million to $3 million. These provisions reduce financing resources but do not state individual eligibility or loan terms.

Less funding for parks and shooting sites

State parks' 2019–21 preservation funding falls from $4.447 million to $4.392 million. Carried-over Firearms Range Account funding for recreational target shooting pilot sites falls from $900,000 to $654,000. The shooting sites' total carried-over funding and section total are both $1.554 million. The law does not change eligibility to visit state parks.

Less funding for water management projects

Ecology's 2021–23 Water Banking project funding falls from $14 million to $13.73 million. Existing conditions remain under section 6027, chapter 375, Laws of 2024. Carried-over Natural Climate Solutions funding for drought infrastructure falls from $500,000 to $486,000. Drought infrastructure's total carried-over funding is $733,000, while its section total remains $750,000. Its existing conditions remain under section 3031 of the same 2024 law.

Less money for soil cleanup pilot

Ecology’s DDT Soil Remediation Pilot funding falls from $5 million to $753,000, a $4.247 million cut. The carried-forward money remains subject to section 3038, chapter 474, Laws of 2023. The provision does not establish household payments.

Less money for state park preservation

The law cuts the 2025–27 State Parks Capital Preservation Pool from $5.6 million to $2.6 million. It also lowers projected future budget costs from $22.4 million to $10.4 million. Those future figures are projections, not current funding.

Less older funding for forest fishways

Carried-over Natural Climate Solutions funding for the 2023–25 Family Forest Fish Passage Program falls from $5.093 million to $4.372 million. The section total remains $7.78 million. This changes an older funding allocation, not household payment rules.

Older local projects lose approved funding

The 2020 local project budget loses funding for Outdoors for All and George Davis Creek Fish Passage in Sammamish. Its remaining carried-forward funding is $18.693 million. The 2021 budget loses Wishkah flood wall and Remstead Regional Park funding, leaving $3.291 million. The 2022 budget loses Remstead Regional Park, Stonehenge Maryhill Museum Repair, Renton bike lanes and safe crossings, Renton housing repair assistance, and Kirkland’s Peter Kirk Community Center roof and emergency retrofit project. Its remaining carried-forward funding is $55.574 million.

Park and library project funding removed

The law cuts the affected capital project package from $201.372 million to $194.254 million, a $7.118 million decrease. It also removes listed funding for Veterans Memorial Park and the Washougal Community Library Building Project.

Prison mental health building funding falls

Total funding for the Washington Corrections Center Interim Mental Health Building falls from $2.247 million to $2.052 million. The law reduces carried-forward funding by $195,000. It does not change individual health coverage or provide household payments.

Dental facility funding and support shrink

The Dental Capacity Grants allocation carried forward decreases to $1.593 million. The program total decreases to $6.119 million. Funding for the ICHS Holly Park project has lapsed. This concerns dental facility capacity, not an individual dental benefit or payment.

Less grant help for behavioral care

Beginning April 1, 2026, reserved funding for community behavioral health and closure prevention grants falls from $70 million to $10 million. Competitive grants prioritize youth and adult beds and facilities serving specialized groups. Closure prevention grants go to providers on a first-come, first-served basis. The money is available through June 30, 2027.

Everett homeless youth facility funding ends

Homeless Youth Facilities carried-forward funding falls to $4.347 million, with total program funding of $10.576 million. Funding for the communities of color coalition project in Everett has lapsed. No further funding may go to that project.

Earlier childcare facility funding is reduced

The law reduces carried-forward funding for the 2021–23 Early Learning Facilities program to $19.749 million. Its total is $59.547 million, including $39.798 million spent in earlier budget periods. This change concerns facility projects, not childcare payments or family eligibility rules.

Capital grant recipients face spending safeguards

Commerce's line-item capital grants reimburse costs; recipients cannot receive advance payments. Except for design-only grants, nonstate funding generally must be spent or firmly committed to finish the project or a usable phase. Recipients generally need 10 years of site control, except for preconstruction grants. Contracts require continued use and upkeep, with principal and interest repayment for noncompliance. Projects generally require state prevailing wages and early cultural-resource consultation, and may require high-performance building standards; specific program rules override conflicting general rules.

Eight earlier capital budget sections repealed

The law repeals eight sections of Washington's 2025 capital budget law. They are sections 6067, 6152, 6175, 6238, 6353, 6499, 6505, and 6617 of chapter 414. The supplied text does not identify the affected projects, funding amounts, or recipients. Specific household effects are therefore unknown.

Energy Northwest carryover funding slightly falls

Energy Northwest funding carried forward from the Climate Commitment Account falls from $25 million to $24.986 million. Total program funding remains $25 million, including $14,000 spent in earlier budget periods. The provision does not specify any change to household energy bills.

Less carryover for buildings and solar

Carried-forward Climate Commitment Account funding for Clean Building Performance Grants falls from $45 million to $39.979 million. The unchanged $45 million total includes $5.021 million spent in earlier budget periods. Large Scale Solar Innovation Projects carryover funding falls from $38.917 million to $36.108 million. Their unchanged $39 million total includes $2.892 million already spent. The provisions do not set household rebates or energy bill savings.

Less carryover for industrial clean energy

The law lowers previously approved Climate Commitment Account money carried forward for three programs. Hydrogen Hub state-match funding falls from $10.115 million to $5.266 million; its $20 million total includes $14.734 million already spent. Green Jobs and Infrastructure Grants fall from $24.082 million to $22.47 million; their $25 million total includes $2.53 million already spent. Hard-to-Decarbonize Sector and Economic Development Grants fall from $47.394 million to $42.337 million. Their unchanged $49.8 million total includes $7.463 million spent in earlier budget periods.

Less carryover for Port of Everett

Port of Everett funding carried forward from the Climate Commitment Account falls from $4.948 million to $4.4 million. Total program funding remains $5 million, including $600,000 spent in earlier budget periods.

Less funding for natural resources repairs

Natural Resources Minor Works Preservation carryover funding falls from $4.613 million to $4.197 million. Within that amount, Model Toxics Control Capital Account funding falls from $433,000 to $17,000. The section’s total funding falls from $6.043 million to $5.713 million.

One water pollution funding transfer removed

The law keeps a transfer of up to $20.5 million for fiscal year 2026 to the state water pollution control revolving account. The money comes from the Public Works Assistance Account. It removes the previously listed transfer of up to $20.5 million for fiscal year 2027. This changes account funding, not direct household payments.

Less carryover money for energy projects

The law reduces carried-over public-building energy retrofit and solar funding from $49.077 million to $26.55 million. That program’s total stays at $51 million, including $24.45 million spent in earlier budget periods. It also reduces carried-over Clean Energy Fund money from $48.164 million to $36.714 million. That program’s total stays at $50 million, including $13.286 million spent in earlier budget periods.

Construction funding capped per housing project

Commerce can provide no more than $10 million in total construction awards for each affordable housing development project. Awards from earlier budget periods count toward this cap. The limit applies to project financing, not household assistance amounts.

Less carryover funding for apartment efficiency

The law reduces carried-over multifamily building efficiency funding from $54.981 million to $54.461 million. The program total stays at $55 million, including $539,000 spent in earlier budget periods. This changes project funding, not household rebate eligibility, and does not specify tenant energy-bill savings.

College energy project allocations shrink

College utility submeter funding carried forward falls from $7.822 million to $4.188 million; its section total stays $8.544 million. Energy Efficiency Program funding falls from $2 million to $1.958 million, with its section total unchanged at $2 million. That program remains subject to section 5036, chapter 375, Laws of 2024. District energy system funding falls from $907,000 to $367,000, with its section total unchanged at $907,000. These are college building allocations, not household utility charges.

Less carried-forward funding for training facilities

South Seattle College's automotive technology renovation and expansion funding carried forward falls from $1.444 million to $484,000. Its section total stays $25.877 million. The Labor and Industries solar installation laboratory and training facility allocation falls from $1.637 million to $332,000. Its program total stays $3.734 million, including $3.402 million already spent. These changes do not set worker payments or change student eligibility.

Pe Ell and Bridgeport school grants shrink

Pe Ell's K–12 modernization grant falls from $8.131 million to $5.304 million. Bridgeport Elementary's modernization grant falls from $6 million to $4.568 million. Both districts must give up all unspent construction grants previously awarded under section 7063 to receive this funding. Both must also use available local resources to help finish their projects. The law does not specify a household tax or fee increase.

Estuary restoration proceeds with design limits

Ecology must finish Capitol Lake–Deschutes Estuary design, examine ways to lower costs, seek nonstate funding, and begin land acquisition. It must consult Enterprise Services and the governor's office, minimize costs, and plan project phases. The design includes only estuary habitat and road or bridge work needed to remove the existing 5th Avenue bridge and related infrastructure. Recreation and walking improvements require a separate bid package. By June 30, 2027, Ecology must report costs, phases, comparisons with other large restoration projects, and expected water-quality effects.

More forest transfers with conservation requirements

Trust Land Transfer funding for 2025–27 rises from $16.9 million to $20.9 million. The law reserves $3.6 million to transfer Cape George to Jefferson County. To receive title, the county must protect a complex, carbon-rich forest under Natural Resources' 1997 habitat conservation plan. The county must also allow a state pilot carbon-offset project and related activities. Natural Resources keeps sole rights to resulting carbon credits; revenue follows RCW 79.64.110.

Recreation funding extended, campground access required

Through 2025–2027, lawmakers can use Youth Athletic Facility Account money for public facility improvements and youth sports facilities. This authority does not set a funding amount or guarantee an appropriation. State Parks' Capital Preservation Pool can be considered for 2027–2029 carryover only if Lyons Ferry campground public use returns by December 31, 2026. Meeting that deadline does not guarantee future funding.

Specific wildlife land sales get exceptions

During 2025–2027, certain Fish and Wildlife property rules do not apply to land sales under specified budget sections. The exception names sections 3017 and 3019, but section 3019 was vetoed. The exception therefore does not make the vetoed sale provision operative. It is not a general exemption for all state land sales.

Tribe gains Point Whitney with restrictions

Fish and Wildlife must reach an agreement to transfer Point Whitney to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe by January 1, 2027. The agency must report the agreement by January 15, 2027. The tribe must pay the appraised market value and accept existing grant-related restrictions. It must address remedies for conflicting uses and waive sovereign immunity for enforcing those requirements, including arbitration and arbitration decisions.

Commerce project changes have approval limits

Commerce can approve some location changes within the same legislative district, fewer project parts, and shifts of money among parts. Changes must still meet project goals; a new administering entity needs capacity and a documented agreement. Moves outside the intended district, unrelated replacements, or changes failing grant requirements need later legislative approval. When such a request prevents contracting as originally intended, Commerce must report the project to lawmakers and budget officials. Reports are due November 1 of each fiscal year following that determination.

Dairies get digester grants requiring matching funds

The law provides $23.2 million in competitive grants to develop and maintain dairy digesters that process manure. Applicants must provide at least a 15% nonstate match. Selection considers expected cuts in greenhouse gases and untreated waste discharge. Washington State University's energy extension program gets $500,000 to administer grants and provide ongoing technical support.

Less money for legislative building renovations

Funding for the Pritchard and John L. O’Brien building project falls from $135.043 million to $49.501 million. That money is restricted to Pritchard rehabilitation, design, and construction, and O’Brien renovation. A separate campus project receives $10.923 million in carried-forward building funds and $671,000 in carried-forward climate funds. Those funds are limited to listed work at Capitol Lot site six east, 15th Avenue Southwest, parking lots, Columbia Street, the legislative modular building, and Water Street.

State construction planning rules change

Required early design review now starts above $15 million in total project costs, up from above $10 million. Above that threshold, agencies generally must finish review before committing design money; review compares at least three options and lifetime costs. The Office of Financial Management can waive requirements but must report waivers to legislative fiscal committees. Commerce must provide a lifetime-cost tool, assist agencies with Enterprise Services, and update inflation, discount, and energy assumptions yearly. Starting with 2027–2029 requests, agencies must account for carried-forward minor-works money and how many projects they can reasonably finish.

Water projects get funding and audit rules

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $20.5 million for the fiscal year 2027 Water Pollution Control Revolving Program match. That money must enter the revolving account and is available through June 30, 2027. Another $16.105 million funds only local and water projects in COM-4-2026, dated March 9, 2026, subject to section 8006. Covered clean-water and public works project sponsors must obtain a detailed efficiency audit when reasonably available. Sponsors may finance audit costs through their drinking water state revolving fund loans.

Housing funds can follow unmet needs

Commerce can move certain housing funds from categories lacking enough suitable projects to other low-income or special-needs housing projects. Receiving projects must address an identified housing need in their area. This makes funding available to replacement projects while redirecting money from the original categories. Commerce must notify state budget officials and legislative budget committees by November 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

College field improvements gain financing authority

Lower Columbia College can enter a financial contract of up to $3 million for David Story Field improvements. Work covers lighting, grandstands, and support facilities. The authorization also covers financing expenses, required reserves, and interest added during construction. This is financing authority under state law, not a $3 million grant.

Inchelium school funding grows with conditions

Inchelium’s K-12 modernization appropriation rises from $3.972 million to $6 million and moves to the State Building Construction Account. To receive it, the district must give up all unspent construction grants previously awarded under the specified earlier grant section. The district must also contribute available local money toward finishing the project.

School pilots funded with cost limits

Pilot grants provide $1.429 million for Garfield ES/MS, $1.507 million for Wellpinit elementary, and $850,000 for Julius A. Wendt elementary in Wahkiakum. Each project needs technical advisory committee review. Costs cannot exceed 110% of the statewide average per square foot for applicable construction or modernization. The Superintendent of Public Instruction must request design and construction funding for 2027–2029. Future cost-share parameters use a school district property-tax rate increment of at least $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed value.

School planning and assessment funding changes

Small-district planning funding rises from $530,000 to $804,000, with grants capped at $50,000 per district. Eligible projects must cost no more than $6 million. The education office must check for duplicate funding and exclude projects receiving design or construction funding elsewhere in the school capital section. For school studies, surveys, six-year building assessments, and art purchases, state funding falls from $3.007 million to $2.914 million. Federal funding for those activities rises from $1.5 million to $2.29 million.

Seattle Central gets capped clean energy funding

The law provides $11 million for Seattle Central's EcoDistrict project to cut carbon emissions. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges must negotiate an energy-as-a-service contract for the college. The project must finish without additional state capital funding. This is college project funding, not a student payment.

Spokane college can finance wing renovation

Spokane Community College can enter a financing contract for up to $15 million to renovate its main building’s east wing. The authorization also covers financing expenses, required reserves, and interest added during financing. This supports the renovation through a financial obligation, not a direct payment to students.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Yasmin Trudeau
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Mark Schoesler
Republican • Senate
Mike Chapman
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 194 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/12/2026