The Washington State Public Works Board opened applications for three funding programs offering a total of $235 million in grants and low-interest loans for public infrastructure projects. This is the first of two application cycles in the 2023-25 biennium. A subsequent funding round is expected to open in 2024.
Cities, towns, counties, special purpose districts, and quasi-municipal organizations may apply. Eligible infrastructure systems include streets and roads, bridges, domestic water, stormwater, sanitary sewer, and solid waste, recycling and organics. The Board may award funds to projects passing threshold ratings based on a competitive ranking process.
Construction loans and grants. Approximately $221 million is available for construction projects. Application deadline is 11:59 p.m. July 7, 2023. Rating and ranking of project applications begins July 8 with awards expected in August.
Pre-construction loans and grants. $7 million is available for pre-construction projects. The program is competitive and open continuously with quarterly funding awards until all allocated funds are exhausted. First quarterly awards are expected in September.
Emergency grants and loans. Projects are funded on a first-come, first-served basis until the $7 million set aside for this program is exhausted.