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County staff says state budget would likely send a multimillion allocation for right-of-way encampment program
Summary
Thurston County staff reported that the state House and Senate budgets both include $45 million for the right-of-way program and that the Thurston region could expect about $5.5 million, with details and final allocations pending Commerce's guidance and the final budget.
County staff updated the Regional Housing Council on the status of the state's right-of-way (encampment resolution) program and the possible allocation to the Thurston County region.
"Both the House and the Senate budget have allocated, 45,000,000 for the right of way program," a county staff member said. Staff said Commerce indicated that figure could translate to about $5.5 million for the Thurston County region, including the City of Olympia, to distribute between projects, but staff emphasized that the final figure and distribution method will depend on Commerce's guidance and the completed state budget.
County staff described ongoing local advocacy: a two-page response to the governor's office summarizing local program needs; coordination with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority on a letter asking to maintain funding for existing right-of-way programs; and an anticipated response from Commerce that will include a formal request for proposals to distribute regional allocations. Staff said more detailed recommendations would come to the Regional Housing Council at its May meeting.
Council members asked staff to use existing RHC legislative priorities to enable timely sign-on for statewide advocacy letters. Staff said they expect to prepare an RFP once Commerce issues formal guidance.
