Graph showing Spokane County in comparison with the 12 counties that received more funding from the state Department of Commerce.
SPOKANE - The Washington State Chamber of Commerce announced that it awarded $72.6 million for community decarbonization work in 24 counties on June 17. Spokane County organizations have received a total of $599,700 in funding from Washington's Climate Commitment Act, significantly less than other counties such as King and Pierce, which have received $19,883,388 and $9,031,678, respectively.
Despite the substantial disparity in funding, Spokane County itself has not actively pursued this specific grant money. According to Patrick Bell, Spokane County's Communications Director, the funds are allocated directly to community organizations rather than the county government.
"The money didn't come directly to Spokane County, it went to community organizations," Bell said. "Community organizations apply for the grant from the state."
While the county government did not apply for these funds, it has pursued other state support for environmental initiatives. "I do know Spokane County and our Legislative Agenda requested funding from the state," Bell noted. "We approached the legislature and requested funding this year for the Green Buildings Act."
Bell also highlighted the county's efforts to comply with state environmental mandates, mentioning a significant upcoming project. "I just got a briefing about what it will take to make updates to the county campus, for our heating and cooling system that the state is mandating is estimated to be $30 million," he said.
Spokane County's $599,700 pales in comparison to the millions allocated to other counties such as Yakima, Grays Harbor, and Lewis, which have received $5,646,877, $5,452,220, and $4,927,200 respectively.
For more detailed information about the grant distribution and specific projects benefiting from the Climate Commitment Act funds, contact the Spokane office of the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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