State of Washington

Recovery Plan 

Performance Report

Coronavirus State Fiscal 

Recovery Funds

August 2021
1

Publication and contact information

This publication is available on OFM’s website at https://ofm.wa.gov/budget/covid-19-budgetinformation-agencies/federal-covid-19-response-funding-distributed-through-stategovernment.

For more information, contact:

Rayanna Evans, Budget Assistant to the Governor

Office of Financial Management

P.O. Box 43113

Olympia, WA 98504-3113

Phone: 360-902-0555

rayanna.evans@ofm.wa.gov

To accommodate persons with disabilities, this document is available in alternate formats by calling the 

Office of Financial Management at 360-725-5100. TTY/TDD users should contact OFM via the Washington 

Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-833-6388.

Visit our website at www.ofm.wa.gov.
Table of Contents

Executive summary.......................................................................................................................................................1

Financial relief funding overview............................................................................................................................2

Use of funds: Revenue replacement............................................................................................................................4

Why the state replaced revenue in transportation accounts ................................................................................4

How these funds promote equity efforts............................................................................................................................................................8

Use of Funds: Public health..........................................................................................................................................8

University of Washington Medical Center .............................................................................................................8

Uninsured and underinsured care...........................................................................................................................9

How these funds promote equity efforts............................................................................................................................................................9

Opioids: Healthcare provider curriculum ...............................................................................................................9

Behavioral health provider relief funds................................................................................................................10

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................10

Department of Corrections: COVID-19 Response ................................................................................................10

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................11

Use of Funds: Negative economic impacts ...............................................................................................................12

Pandemic Paid Leave Assistance...........................................................................................................................12

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................13

Immigrant relief funding.......................................................................................................................................14

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................15

Overview of household assistance: Food programs ............................................................................................15

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................16

Food supply chain, and food infrastructure and market access..........................................................................................................17

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................18

Unemployment Insurance Relief Account............................................................................................................18

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................19

Rental assistance ....................................................................................................................................................20

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................20

Use of evidence..............................................................................................................................................................................................................20

Business assistance.................................................................................................................................................21

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................21

Art industry grants.................................................................................................................................................21

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................24

Tourist recovery .....................................................................................................................................................24

Statewide tourist recovery........................................................................................................................................................................................24

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................25

Clallam County Ferry project...................................................................................................................................................................................25

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................25

Use of funds: Infrastructure.......................................................................................................................................25

Overview of broadband projects ..........................................................................................................................26

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................26
Water and sewer projects......................................................................................................................................27

Clean water: Centralized wastewater treatment...........................................................................................................................................28

Clean water: Centralized wastewater collection and conveyance.......................................................................................................28

Clean water: Other sewer infrastructure............................................................................................................................................................29

Clean water: Stormwater............................................................................................................................................................................................29

Clean water: Water conservation..........................................................................................................................................................................30

Clean water: Nonpoint source................................................................................................................................................................................30

Drinking water: Treatment........................................................................................................................................................................................30

Drinking water: Transmission and distribution..............................................................................................................................................30

Drinking water: Source................................................................................................................................................................................................31

Clean water: Drinking water storage...................................................................................................................................................................31

Drinking water: Other water infrastructure......................................................................................................................................................32

Potential drinking water: Other water infrastructure projects ..............................................................................................................32

Grants for affordable housing development utility connections .......................................................................33

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................33

Labor practices .......................................................................................................................................................34

Use of funds: Services to disproportionately impacted communities ....................................................................34

Improving healthy childhood environments........................................................................................................34

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................36

Use of evidence..............................................................................................................................................................................................................36

Housing and Essential Needs program.................................................................................................................36

How these funds promote equity efforts.........................................................................................................................................................37

Use of evidence..............................................................................................................................................................................................................37

Use of funds: Administrative and other....................................................................................................................37

Project inventory and expenses by expenditure category ......................................................................................37

Performance reporting...............................................................................................................................................43

Pandemic paid leave assistance ............................................................................................................................43

Immigrant relief funding.......................................................................................................................................43

State Food Assistance program.............................................................................................................................43

The Emergency Food Assistance program............................................................................................................43

Farmers to Families food boxes ............................................................................................................................44

Food supply chain, and food infrastructure and market access .........................................................................44

Business assistance.................................................................................................................................................44

Art industry grants.................................................................................................................................................45

Clallam County Ferry project.................................................................................................................................45

Uninsured and underinsured care.........................................................................................................................45

Behavioral health provider relief funds................................................................................................................45

Improving healthy childhood environments........................................................................................................46

Housing and essential needs.................................................................................................................................46

Ineligible activities: Tax offset provision..................................................................................................................47
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

1

Executive summary

Washington was the first state in America to confront the COVID-19 virus in 2020. 

On Feb. 29, 2020, the state experienced the first confirmed COVID-19 related death in the 

country. Gov. Jay Inslee immediately went into action by declaring a state of emergency 

(Proclamation 20-05). On that same day, multiple states had 66 confirmed cases of the virus. 

With its long incubation period and airborne transmission that experts were still studying, the 

virus was poised to spread, and to spread quickly. 

States were forced to grapple with the same question: Whether to put lives first or the state’s 

economy first. Inslee chose to save lives.

In mid-March 2020, Inslee closed schools and institutions of higher education. Restaurants, bars, 

entertainment venues and recreational facilities soon followed. In-person gatherings of 50-plus 

people were prohibited. The governor transitioned state employees to remote work wherever 

possible. He encouraged other governments and the private sector to do the same. 

Then, on March 23, after 110 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths in the state, Inslee issued the 

Stay Home, Stay Healthy order to slow the person-to-person spread of the virus (Proclamation 

20-25). It required Washingtonians to stay home unless they were engaged in an essential 

activity. It banned gatherings for social, spiritual, and recreational purposes regardless of group 

size, and it closed all nonessential businesses.

Vacations and leisure activities were canceled. Social and religious events moved to online 

platforms. Washingtonians stayed home unless they had to work, go to a medical appointment, 

or buy food and supplies. Unemployment hit an all-time high. Across communities and 

neighborhoods, the state largely stood still and waited.

In June 2020, Inslee introduced a plan to reopen the state using a county-by-county phased 

approach with a science-based model that considered hospitalizations and case data.

With COVID-19 cases down and vaccines rates up, all counties in the state moved into Phase 3 

of the reopening plan on March 22, 2021. In April 2021, more than 84% of the state’s roughly 

5.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered to Washingtonians1

. Finally, the 

state reopened — almost one year later. 

As of August 23, 2021, the state has experienced 6,417 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths2 and 

it has administered over 8.4 million life-saving vaccines to residents across the state. However, 

not all Washingtonians are getting vaccinated, even as the highly contagious delta variant 

sweeps across the state. 

1 April 2021 COVID-19 Vaccination Progress Dashboard and Data: Washington State Department of Health

2 August 23, 2021 COVID-19 Data Dashboard: Washington State Department of Health
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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The number of positive COVID-19 tests climbed from 2% in June 2021 to 5.5% in August 2021, 

with a 20% increase in hospitalizations the last week of July.3 We can attribute more than 92% of 

hospitalizations and deaths in Washington to people who have not been fully vaccinated4.

Increasing vaccination rates is currently the most effective tool to decrease the number of 

COVID-19 cases that lead to hospitalization and death. In August 2021, Inslee issued 

Proclamation 21-14 that required most state workers, on-site contractors and volunteers to be 

vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Health care workers, long-term care 

providers and many state employees who work with the public have a duty to protect the public 

and be protected themselves. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term 

care settings must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18. Washington also recently reinstated face mask 

requirements for indoor public places regardless of vaccination status. 

The state has never experienced such an economic and public health upheaval. More than a year 

and a half later, Washingtonians still live in the shadow of an ongoing pandemic while they 

strive to recover — despite setbacks. The pandemic has highlighted equal access issues across 

the state in areas such as safety net services for food, public transportation, technology, 

housing, and concrete goods. 

While the state’s actions have saved lives and will continue to protect Washingtonians, the 

state’s recovery now requires joint focus and dedication from its governments, private sector,

and its people. To safely rebuild the state, our work is not done until we come together to 

defeat this virus and redesign our economy to be more versatile and equity centered. 

This report outlines where and how Washington plans to use Coronavirus State Fiscal Relief 

Funds (CSFRF) to support this response and recovery effort. Backed by data and facts, this report 

demonstrates how these funds will make the largest difference in the lives of Washingtonians as 

we seek relief, recovery and – above all – stay resilient. 

Financial relief funding overview

During the yearlong upheaval, the federal government provided states, tribes and local 

governments with unprecedented financial relief from various sources of existing funds and new 

fund sources. To support the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response, relief and recovery efforts, 

Washington state government received approximately $10.9 billion from the following federal

relief funds:

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

• American Rescue Plan Act

• Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act

• Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund

3 Delta variant drives sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations > Washington State Department of Health

4 COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths in Persons Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated (doh.wa.gov)
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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The first figure below shows Washington’s COVID-related federal funds, to date, and organizes 

the funds by category. The second figure shows how the state allocated the CSFRF funds to date. 

The funds have either been allocated by the Washington State Office of Financial Management 

(OFM) or appropriated by the state Legislature. 

Figure 1: Federal funds for pandemic relief by state expenditure category

Figure 2: CSFRF for pandemic relief by state expenditure category 

The U.S. Treasury recently awarded Washington $4.4 billion from the CSFRF. This resource will 

help the state meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger and more equitable 

economy. Recipients can use these funds to address negative economic impacts caused by the 

COVID-19 public health emergency. This includes economic harms to workers, households, small 

$3,985,793,300

$1,943,829,666

$1,760,568,000

$1,000,000,000

$890,541,000

$569,597,014

$496,023,500

$191,504,000

$84,121,000

Economic support

Medical

School Support

Transportation

Child Care and Children services

Government operations

Local Government Distribution

Food Assistance

Long Term Care

$1,771,007,000

$1,000,000,000

$161,750,000

$115,399,000

$101,000,000

$5,500,000

Economic support

Transportation

Government operations

Food Assistance

Medical

Child Care and Children services
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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businesses, impacted industries, governments, and the public sector. Following U.S. Treasury 

guidelines, the state Legislature appropriated approximately $3.2 billion of that amount to 

qualifying federal expenditure categories. 

The state has not yet appropriated the remaining $1.3 billion from CSFRF. In December, the 

governor will provide a spending proposal to the state Legislature for this amount. The plan will 

consider additional recovery needs and the impacts of the delta variant that threaten recent 

public health and economic gains. 

The governor’s proposal might also include the unmet demand of all federal relief funds, 

identify gaps in service needs, focus on new business and infrastructure needs, and create new 

strategies to reach underserved and underrepresented communities. It will consider additional 

federal funding on the horizon, such as the potential U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Finally, the process will include community engagement on these decisions with new virtual 

platforms that provide safe outreach services and feedback portals. 

We will provide a supplemental update to this plan once the governor releases his budget 

proposal.

Use of funds: Revenue replacement

We provided the 2020 state revenue loss calculation this August to the federal government in 

the Washington State Interim Report. The calculation shows a $2.18 billion revenue loss. 

The amount makes the state eligible to spend CSFRF on revenue replacement (under federal 

rule, 31 CFR Part 35). It is important to note that the required state revenue loss calculation does 

not determine where states can use CSFRF to backfill revenue loss, as long as the revenue 

replacement is for a “provision of government services.”

Why the state replaced revenue in transportation accounts

Washington appropriated $600 million CSFRF to transportation accounts and operating 

expenses because travel-related revenue decreased during the pandemic. 

The state generates transportation revenue from a variety of sources. This includes but is not

limited to the following:

• Taxes, such as gas and diesel

• Registration-based licensing, permits and fees (LPF)

• Toll charges

• Ferry fares

• Driver related charges, such as driver’s license fees

• Other transportation related revenue, such as fines and civil penalties
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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The pie chart below shows how much money the state acquired from each revenue source in the 

2019-21 biennium out of $6.1 billion (June forecast).

5

Figure 3: Revenue by source 2019-21 biennium

The state will reinvest transportation revenue into projects and operating costs. These include 

but are not limited to the following: 

• Operate and maintain state transportation infrastructure.

• Provide public safety for state public highways.

• Administer licensing services to the public.

• Operate public transit, ferries, and passenger rail.

• Improve fish passage and water quality and reconnect streams.

• Manage grant and loan programs to local governments. 

After Inslee declared a State of Emergency, motor vehicle travel, public transit usage and local 

freight movement rapidly declined. Canada and the United States jointly closed the border to 

non-essential travel. Washington state parks closed, and the Trump administration issued 

several international travel restrictions. People stopped traveling unless they needed to meet an 

essential need. 

Travel changes in passenger rail, ferries, and transit ridership, highway traffic, and toll collections 

are reflected in the following figure. 

5 Transportation Revenue Forecast Council June 2021 Transportation Economic and Revenue Reforecasts Volume I: Summary, Revised 

07/14/2021, page 4. 

Gas tax

42.0%

LPF

26.1%

Diesel tax

11.6%

Toll revenue

6.0%

Ferry tax

5.4%

Driver related

4.7%

Other transportation 

related revenue

4.2%

Transportation 

revenue sources
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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Figure 4: Changes in ridership during the pandemic

(A) 02/29/2020 – State of Emergency declared 

(B) 03/12/2020 – Schools closed 

(C) 03/26/2020 – Gatherings of 50-plus people are banned 

(D) 03/25/2020 – Stay Home, Stay Healthy order goes into effect 

(E) 06/01/2020 – Stay Home, Stay Healthy transitions to Safe Start, Stay Healthy

(F) 12/14/2020 – State receives COVID-19 vaccines

Passenger rail

Data from Amtrack Cascades

-69%

Compared to baseline year*

Transit ridership

Data from largest transit agencies

-38%

Compared to baseline year*

Ferries ridership

Data from all currently operating WSF routes

-27%

Compared to baseline year*

Toll facilities

Data from all five tolled highways and bridges

-24%

Compared to baseline year*

Highway traffic

Data from 32 locations statewide

-6%

Compared to baseline year*

*Baseline year is March 2019 – Feb 2020
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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Transportation revenue is directly tied to transportation usage. So, the state’s transportation 

revenue declined as travel declined during the pandemic. The statewide average of ‘vehicle 

miles traveled’ dropped 8.1% from 62,231,922,300 in 2019 to 57,217,206,862 in 2020. As the 

state reopened, the travel trend increased. However, the trend did not return to the pre-COVID

baseline.6 With the rapid spread of the delta variant, the state is experiencing another dip in 

travel. 

The transportation revenue shortfall will get smaller over the years as travel gets back to prepandemic levels. However, the revenue reduction is substantial enough now to cause an 

economic outfall that threatens all transportation-related projects and operations. These 

transportation expenditures pay for jobs, the maintenance of various transportation 

infrastructure, and operating costs of public transportation and highway safety systems. They

also advance environmental initiatives and climate change goals. 

A serious reduction in transportation spending jeopardizes the economic and social well-being 

of each region across the state, as well as compromises safety and security. To prevent this, the 

state will allocate $600 million CSFRF to replace transportation revenue loss. The table below 

provides an itemized look at the accounts that will receive CSFRF. 

Table 1: Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds – Where we allocated the money for 

transportation

State funded account CSFRF obligated

Code Title Total Percent of total

039 Aeronautics Account $ 777,000 0.1%

20H Connecting Washington Account $ 67,663,000 11.3%

186 County Arterial Preservation Account $ 1,939,000 0.3%

106 Highway Safety Account $ 8,219,000 1.4%

595 Toll Lanes Account $ 32,893,000 5.5%

108 Motor Vehicle Account $ 99,416,000 16.6%

082 Motorcycle Safety Education Account $ 18,000 0.0%

218 Multimodal Transportation Account $ 115,611,000 19.3%

099 Puget Sound Capital Construction Account $ 2,892,000 0.5%

109 Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account $ 85,966,000 14.3%

102 Rural Arterial Trust Account $ 3,092,000 0.5%

780 School Zone Safety Account $ 393,000 0.1%

6 COVID-19 Multimodal Transportation System Performance Dashboard
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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State funded account CSFRF obligated

Code Title Total Percent of total

215 Special Category C Account $ 3,975,000 0.7%

081 State Patrol Highway Account $ 12,358,000 2.1%

17P State Route Number 520 Civil Penalties Account $ 5,442,000 0.9%

16J State Route Number 520 Corridor Account $ 59,567,000 9.9%

511 Tacoma Narrows Toll Bridge Account $ 15,707,000 2.6%

550 Transportation 2003 Account (Nickel Account) $ 28,681,000 4.8%

144 Transportation Improvement Account $ 15,844,000 2.6%

09H Transportation Partnership Account $ 39,547,000 6.6%

Grand total $ 600,000,000 100%

How these funds promote equity efforts 

A healthy transportation infrastructure allows the average person to meet their day-to-day 

needs, such as getting to work, school, medical appointments and grocery stores. To support 

the public, Washington consistently provides high-quality public transportation. In fact, the 

annual Best States Ranking of U.S. States by US News ranked Washington’s infrastructure as No. 

3 of 50 states in 2019.

7 The state works to promote opportunity for people in low-income 

communities and communities of color by improving mobility through public transportation. 

Investing CSFRF in the transportation revenue shortfall will help the state maintain its 

commitment to reducing gaps in transportation access for low-income people, people of color

and other historically marginalized populations. 

Use of Funds: Public health 

The state put approximately $143 million CSFRF toward four critical COVID-19 related public 

health needs. We included full descriptions of the items on the following pages.

University of Washington Medical Center 

By mid-March 2020, there were 2,221 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington and 110 

deaths associated with the virus. Shortly after, the governor announced new restrictions on nonurgent medical procedures to reserve critical equipment for COVID-19 patients and personal 

protective equipment for health care workers (Proclamation 20-24). 

7 Overall Best States Ranking, US News; https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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The University of Washington Medical Center complied with the order and lost tens of millions 

in revenue because non-emergent and elective medical procedures were cancelled, coupled 

with a marked decline in overall higher revenue generating patient services. After the hospital 

received provider relief funds through the CARES Act, it still had $35 million in expenditures for

communications, contracted services, goods, insurance and utilities. The state appropriated 

$35 million CSFRF to the UW Medical Center to replace this institution’s COVID-19 costs. 

Uninsured and underinsured care 

COVID-19 infected Washingtonians regardless of citizenship status or income level. However, 

the financial impact of recovering from the virus has hit individuals differently. Many people in 

certain demographics find themselves uninsured or underinsured. Individuals with income 

greater than 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are not eligible for Medicaid benefits. Also, 

people over 20 years of age without documented U.S. citizenship status are ineligible for the 

state’s medical assistance program. This leaves some Washingtonians uninsured or insured with 

high deductible plans.

Uninsured and underinsured individuals treated for the virus accumulated debt from unpaid 

medical bills. Medical providers serving these patients can’t absorb the unpaid costs. That’s why

the state dedicated $35 million CSFRF to the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) for

grants to medical providers. The grants will reimburse the providers for outstanding COVID-19 

related medical bills from uninsured or underinsured patients with income under 200% FPL 

(regardless of citizenship status). 

Eligible medical providers include rural health centers, federally qualified health centers, free 

clinics, public hospital districts, behavioral health providers or facilities, behavioral health 

administrative service organizations and community-based organizations. 

How these funds promote equity efforts 

These grants will prevent eligible patients from accumulating medical debt. Although this will 

not decrease the wealth gap for these individuals, it will prevent additional economic hardships 

for people who contract the virus. This will help providers get reimbursed for COVID-19 medical 

expenses or other medical needs.

Opioids: Healthcare provider curriculum

The COVID-19 public health crises negatively impacted the rates of substance misuse and 

overdose deaths. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the 

nationwide highest number of overdose deaths in recorded history happened between May 

2019 – May 20208

. Overdose rates broke records in Washington as well9.

8 Overdose Deaths Accelerating During COVID-19 | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC

9 Overdose rates > Washington State Department of Health
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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The state is experiencing an opioid misuse and overdose epidemic involving prescription 

opioids, heroin and other manufactured synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl). The Washington 

State Department of Health (DOH) joined with partners across the state to complete the 

2021-2022 Washington State Opioid and Overdose Response Plan and provide a coordinated 

response to this persistent and ever-evolving crisis.

To help with opioid prevention efforts, the state will provide $250,000 CSFRF to its Workforce 

Training and Education Coordinating Board. This investment will fund an accredited osteopathic 

medical school to develop and implement a curriculum on opioid misuse and addiction for 

healthcare providers and the healthcare workforce.

Behavioral health provider relief funds 

The pandemic caused service disruptions and economic hardship for many of the state’s 

behavioral health providers. The cost of business went up. Behavioral health providers had to 

purchase personal protective equipment and make infrastructure changes to comply with social 

distancing regulations, while also funding new telehealth service options. But while costs were 

going up, revenue decreased due to a temporary, state-directed closure. 

The Department of the Treasury notes that COVID-19 negatively impacted substance misuse 

and mental health with a disproportionate impact to demographic groups with preexisting 

economic and health access inequities. Washington is no exception. To help the behavioral

health treatment field remain functional, and to secure treatment access for low-income 

patients, the state will provide $31 million CSFRF to behavioral health providers throughout the 

2021-23 biennium. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

To best prioritize how the state allocates this funding, the HCA will consider the geographic 

location of the service provider and whether the provider serves members of historically 

disadvantaged communities. To be eligible for this financial assistance, the behavioral health 

provider must be serving six Medicaid recipients or recipients of a state-medical assistance 

program. Providers must also demonstrate a decrease in revenue or increase in costs related to 

the pandemic. 

Department of Corrections: COVID-19 Response

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) manages a statewide correctional 

system that includes 12 prisons, 12 work and training release facilities, and 86 community 

corrections offices, as well as numerous administrative offices and training centers.

Incarcerated individuals and DOC workers in congregate care settings are at a greater risk of 

contracting COVID-19 than the public. The virus can be unknowingly brought into a building. 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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Once this happens, the virus spreads easily from person-to-person due to the close quarters, 

communal spaces and shared ventilation systems within correctional facilities. 

To date, the department has confirmed 7,867 cases of COVID-19 that unfortunately resulted in 

16 deaths. Of that, 80% of the cases were incarcerated individuals (with 13 deaths) and 20% 

were department staff (with three deaths). The department began implementing its emergency 

response to the virus on March 1, 2020. By July 31, DOC had incurred more than $68 million in 

unanticipated costs for prevention and treatment services. The largest costs came from the 

following areas:

• Custody staff and overtime

• Medical personnel and overtime 

• Reconfiguring large, nontraditional living spaces, such as gymnasiums

• Reconfiguring smaller spaces for quarantining and medical treatment

• Screening and testing 

• Increased sanitation supplies and services

• Personal protective equipment

• Health care equipment and goods and services 

The federal government acknowledged the increased risk to incarcerated individuals and 

correctional staff by letting states use CARES Act funding — and offering Federal Emergency 

Management Agency reimbursement — for prevention and recovery efforts in correctional 

facilities. Approximately $26 million of other federal funding covered these DOC expenses. This

left a gap of approximately $42 million. The state provided DOC with a little over $42 million 

CSFRF to pay for the remaining COVID-19 related costs. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

The lifesaving measures DOC has implemented supports a disproportionate number of people 

from historically disadvantaged communities. Incarcerated individuals and people serving 

community supervision sentences in our state have higher levels of infectious diseases, as well 

as higher levels of chronic physical, mental and substance use disorders. They also come from 

overwhelmingly poor communities and communities of color. The two figures below illustrate 

the disproportional rates of incarceration for people of color in our state. For example, it shows 

that out of a total statewide population of roughly 4% black people, the total incarcerated 

population is made up of roughly 18% black people.
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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Figure 5: Washington and Department of Corrections 2020 census information by race

Use of Funds: Negative economic impacts

The state put approximately $1.6 billion CSFRF toward programs and services that help reduce 

the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state’s most vulnerable 

populations and businesses. A full description of these efforts is below.

Pandemic Paid Leave Assistance

In 2015, the governor secured a federal grant to design a paid family leave program. In 2017, he 

signed Senate Bill 5975 (Chapter 5, 2017 Laws 3rd Special Session) that created the Paid Family 

and Medical Leave (PFML) program. The program provides partial wage replacement to 

employees on leave for specified family and medical reasons. It is funded through premiums 

that employers and employees pay. The new law went into effect October 2017. Washington 

workers are eligible for these benefits after they work at least 820 hours in the previous year. 

The state Employment Security Department (ESD) administers the program. The figure below 

illustrates what employees can use PFML benefits for. Additional information can be found

online through the ESD fact sheet.

78.7%

4.2%

1.8%

10.0%

5.4%

69.1%

18.2%

6.0%

4.4% 2.4%

 White

 Black

 American Indian/Alaska Native

 Asian/Pacific Islander

 Other/Unknown

WA DOC
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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Figure 6: Life events that qualify for paid time off 

After the pandemic caused state and global shutdowns across various sectors, many 

Washington workers who paid into the PFML insurance program couldn’t access their benefits, 

through no fault of their own. That’s because businesses in Washington closed or reduced 

overhead with lay-offs, furloughs and reduced hours. Workers were also required to take time 

off work because of quarantining, school closures, and other pandemic impacts. That meant

many workers who experienced periods of unemployment and/or fewer work hours in 2020 or 

2021 did not meet the 820-hour eligibility threshold for PFML. 

In April, Inslee signed E2SHB 1073 (Chapter 109, 2021 Laws) to expand coverage of the Paid 

Family Medical Leave program. The expansion provides financial support equivalent to PFML 

benefits to Washington workers who cannot meet the 820-hour eligibility criteria because of 

pandemic-related reductions in working hours, but who did meet the threshold in 2019 and the 

first quarter of 2020. The new eligibility criteria creates a safety net program to those 

experiencing a serious medical or family event.

The bill also provides pandemic leave assistance grants to employers. The grants help offset 

small business employers’ costs when an employee takes leave through PFML. 

Washington dedicated approximately $169 million CSFRF to expand the program throughout 

the 2021-23 biennium. The Employment Security Department estimates that 30,000 previously 

denied claims will now be eligible for paid leave. At this time, both pandemic-related 

enhancements to the PFML program will expire June 30, 2023.

How these funds promote equity efforts

Low-wage jobs that cannot be performed remotely or in industries most affected by the 

pandemic were disproportionately eliminated or the hours were reduced (restaurants, child care 

centers, gyms, hotels, movie theaters, etc.). People who are low wage earners are generally more 

economically vulnerable and racially diverse than higher-paid workers. This is one reason why 

the pandemic brought about inequities in those who qualified for the PFML program. This 

Bonding with a 

newborn, adopted or 

foster child

Recovering from 

surgery, a serious illness 

or injury

Supporting a family 

member with a serious 

medical condition

Certain events

connected to a family 

member’s active-duty 

military service
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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benefit expansion promotes racial and economic equity by filling this gap, ensuring these 

workers do not lose access to paid family and medical leave benefits through no fault of their 

own.

Immigrant relief funding

The figure below from the DOH shows that Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders

(NHOPI), have COVID-19 rates that are 3.5 times higher than their Asian and White 

counterparts.10

Figure 7: Age-adjusted COVID-19 case rate by race per 100,000 population

Note: Age-adjusted rates are necessary because age information is missing for a small percentage of confirmed or probable cases 

(about 0.1%), so these cases are not included. 

Data from the same report shows that Hispanic Washingtonians are 29% of the COVID-19 cases 

while only representing 13% of the total state population. It also shows they are four times more 

likely to be hospitalized than white populations.

Of the 1.1 million immigrants in Washington, approximately 240,000 were estimated to have an 

unauthorized immigration status in 2010.11 The state Legislature estimates the number has 

grown to approximately 330,000. An immigrant with an unauthorized status is ineligible for 

federal economic impact payments or unemployment insurance. At the same time, this 

population is at greater risk of contracting the virus. 

10 COVID-19 morbidity and mortality by race, ethnicity and spoken language in Washington state

11 State Tool: Center for Migration Studies (cmsny.org)
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

15

High rates of infection for many immigrant populations in the state, coupled with minimal 

financial support, exacerbates the current health and economic inequities among this 

population. To counter this, the state has provided $340 million CSFRF for one-time cash 

grants of $1,000 for each qualifying individual. Ten percent of the funding is for local 

community-based organizations to administer the program.

An immigrant affected by the pandemic must meet the following eligibility criteria to receive the 

cash grant:

• Live in Washington 

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Must not be eligible to receive federal stimulus funds or unemployment insurance 

because of immigration status 

• Household income is at or below 250% FPL

This continues emergency immigrant relief funds that the state provided last fiscal year. We

invested $128 million of CARES Act funding for 120,000 immigrants who did not qualify for a 

federal economic impact payment or unemployment insurance. However, the funding was not 

sufficient for the number of applications we received. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

These cash grants will allow immigrants with an unauthorized status to obtain financial relief.

This is similar to the economic impact payments that their peers who had an authorized 

immigration status or U.S. citizenship received. The state prioritized the grants for immigrants at 

or below 250% FPL to reduce the disproportionate economic strain the pandemic had on lowincome immigrant households. 

Overview of household assistance: Food programs 

The nation is currently battling food insecurity. The COVID-19 Impact Survey conducted by the 

Data Foundation shows the number of U.S. households affected by food insecurity has doubled

since the pandemic started. Once again, Washington state is no exception. 

Chronic, poor nutrition undermines physical health and increases a person’s susceptibility to the 

effects of COVID-19. Food insecurity is greatest among households with low or no-income, 

single mothers, seniors and communities of color12. To counter food access inequities, the state 

set aside approximately $104 million CSFRF to provide Washington’s most vulnerable 

populations with access to food.

Food programs funded with CSFRF are listed on the following pages. 

12 USDA ERS - Identifying the Risk Factors of Food Insecurity and USDA ERS - Key Statistics & Graphics
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

16

How these funds promote equity efforts

Each food program below promotes racial and economic equity by targeting a vulnerable 

population or community. We address how each topic promotes equity efforts in the program 

descriptions below.

State Food Assistance program

Of the more than 1.1 million immigrants in Washington, approximately 63,000 are receiving 

food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a federal 

program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families who can use 

them at stores to purchase food. The state provides a similar program called the Food 

Assistance Program (FAP). It currently provides food benefits to 15,000 immigrants who are 

ineligible for SNAP due to their unauthorized status. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began issuing additional monthly benefits to SNAP 

eligible households at the start of the pandemic. Increases include an additional $95 per month 

for households already receiving the maximum benefit amount. To keep pace with SNAP benefit 

levels, the state has provided approximately $10.8 million CSFRF for FAP to match the 

increased monthly SNAP award. 

Farm-to-School program

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers the Farm-to-School

program that provides grants to school districts to purchase local foods from farmers to 

distribute to schools, food service institutions, child care facilities and other school settings. The 

program promotes children’s nutrition and health. It also helps link Washington farmers to new 

markets, and that helps stabilize the food distribution industry during COVID-19.

At the start of the pandemic, the USDA waived the high poverty threshold that it required for 

schools to receive federal funding for providing free breakfast and lunch to students. It provided 

additional funding for schools to offer all school children free lunch and breakfast, no matter 

their household income. 

Distance learning in school settings eliminated the ability for schools to provide breakfast and 

lunch to students in a cafeteria setting. So, school districts provided parents with the option to 

pick up school meals at locations throughout the community. Unable to freeze, cook and store 

large quantities of food at multiple venues, schools had to adapt by purchasing more local fresh

food. That’s the main reason why the Farm-to-School program saw a large increase in requests

for assistance. To help meet the new demand and to prepare for the upcoming school year, the 

state has provided $5 million CSFRF to the Farm-to-School program. 

The Emergency Food Assistance program

WSDA manages The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in our state. TEFAP receives 

food and operational funding from the USDA to distribute to 19 lead contractors statewide. 

These contractors provide food to over 500 food banks, food pantries, shelters and meal 

services. 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

17

With the rise of food insecurity, the state’s emergency food system has seen a significant

increase in demand. Hunger relief organizations are faced with overwhelming odds as they shift

their food delivery methods to maintain state mandates and health and safety guidelines. They 

have also experienced a loss of volunteers, loss of donations, and food supply chain disruptions

during such a dramatic increase for services.

In addition to an annual appropriation of $6.1 million state funds, the state will dedicate $43 

million CSFRF to emergency food assistance programs beyond the federal TEFAP funding. The

funding increase will help organizations hire more staff, pay for new operational costs, help 

organizations update physical space and delivery models to maintain health and safety 

reequipments, and purchase more food supplies. 

Farmers to Families food boxes

In response to the pandemic, the USDA developed the Farmers to Family Food Box program. 

The program helped deliver food boxes of fresh produce, milk, dairy and cooked meats to food

banks and other nonprofits serving disadvantaged people across the country. The program ran 

from May 2020 – May 2021, during the greatest food shortage months in the pandemic. 

Washington will adopt a state-administered program like this to help hunger relief organizations 

that give priority to black, Indigenous, people of color, and other socially disadvantaged 

communities such as low-income, rural communities. The state provided $45 million CSFRF for 

this purpose with a focus on filling food boxes with Washington agricultural products. It will help 

address persistent gaps in the state’s current emergency food system that doesn’t fully meet the 

nutritional needs of these historically underserved populations.

Food supply chain, and food infrastructure and market access

Market conditions and labor challenges significantly impaired the state’s food supply and 

distribution system. Demand was reduced when major purchasers of food supplies, such as

vendors procuring for colleges, restaurants, hotels, and stadiums closed during the pandemic. At 

the same time, it became evident that COVID-19 spread rapidly through farms and food 

processing plants because people often work side-by-side. Making things more unsafe, seasonal 

farmworkers often sleep in overcrowded temporary housing units built on the farm. 

This greatly impacts food operations across the state and the safety of workers. It also drives up 

food prices. Farms, food processing plants, and food distributors had to make significant 

changes to keep workers safe, make new consumer connections that prevented food waste, help 

prevent the spread of the virus, and help prevent inflation.

To help the state’s food service industry expand their markets, change their business practices, 

build a more resilient food infrastructure system, and keep food prices down, the state has 

provided $17 million CSFRF to WSDA for grants and technical assistance.
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

18

How these funds promote equity efforts

The state is keenly aware that none of the food assistance programs noted above will help 

people if the food industry cannot get food from the farm to a public access point. While a 

healthy food distribution system helps all Washingtonians access food, we must promote other 

state investments in food programs to help as many low-income and disproportionately 

impacted communities as possible. 

Women, minorities, and small-business owners will receive priority for these grants to help these 

historically marginalized business owners advance during the pandemic.

Unemployment Insurance Relief Account

Unemployment insurance (UI) is primarily funded by employers. Employers pay a federal and

state unemployment rate. The Washington state unemployment tax rate is based primarily on 

the employer’s four-year history of layoffs – lay-offs that resulted in a UI claim. So, the more 

layoffs a business has, the higher the employer’s future unemployment rate will be. The UI 

claims get charged against the employer’s experience rating account and the revenue goes into 

the Unemployment Compensation Account. It’s then used for unemployment compensation 

payments to workers they have laid off.

In April 2020, Washington lost a staggering 340,000 jobs because of pandemic impacts13. That 

same month, unemployment insurance claims climbed to 180,000. The month with the most UI 

claims in 2019 was a little over 12,000. It shot up to over 180,000 claims in March 202014. The 

figures below show the weekly UI claims for 2020 and the weekly claims to date for 2021. 

Figure 8: Washington’s initial claims by week, 2020-21

13 ESDWAGOV - April 2020 Monthly Employment Report

14 Initial Claims applications for Unemployment Insurance-WA | Tableau Public

0

20K

40K

60K

80K

100K

120K

140K

160K

180K

200K

01/05-01/1101/26-02/0102/16-02/2203/08-03/1403/29-04/0404/19-04/2505/10-05/1605/31-06/0606/21-06/2707/12-07/1808/02-08/0808/23-08/2909/13-09/1910/04-10/1010/25-01/3111/15-11/2112/06-12/1212/27-01/0201/17-01/2301/07-02/1302/28-03/0603/21-03/2704/11-04/1705/02-05/0805/23-05/2906/13-06/1907/04-07/1007/25-07/3108/15-08/21

Initial claims
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

19

The unemployment rate soared because of COVID-19 restrictions and the sudden and 

significant revenue loss forced businesses to downsize or temporarily close, which brought 

about unavoidable layoffs. The layoffs, paid from the employer’s experience rating account, 

increased the employer’s immediate contribution. And, as a result, it increased their future 

unemployment contribution rates. This makes it more challenging for businesses to remain open 

and it prolongs their recovery. 

High state unemployment rates can also damage the state’s high credit ratings and national 

scorecard that currently rates Washington as No. 1 in gross domestic product.

The governor took swift action at the start of the 2020 legislative session by proposing 

unemployment rate relief to Washington businesses through House Bill 2965 (Chapter 7, 2020

Laws), which he signed March 2020. Among other things, the bill provided funding to forgive 

unemployment insurance benefits for employers when their employees received benefits as a 

direct or indirect result of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the funding was only sufficient to cover 

24% of eligible UI claims. 

To continue helping businesses in the state recover from the economic crises, the state

continued this effort through the 2021-23 biennium. Inslee signed Senate Bill 5478 (Chapter 292, 

2021 Laws) that created the Unemployment Insurance Relief Account (UIRA). 

The state set aside $500 million CSFRF for this account. A review of eligibility for a federal 

expenditure category is now underway. This funding may allow the state to continue paying 

unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of certain small businesses, and to meet greater 

demand than was possible in the 2019–21 biennium. Rather than charging UI claims against the 

employer’s experience rating account, the claims would be funded through the UIRA. The state 

gives priority to certain businesses that have 20 employees or less, and that have experienced a 

significant experience rate increase. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

Small businesses have been hit the hardest by the “double whammy” of reduced revenue and 

higher future rates. Compared to their larger counterparts, small businesses have lower cash 

reserves or other resources to rely on in times of economic hardship. With the most recent four 

years determining each business’ unemployment compensation rates, small businesses may be 

affected for years to come. And businesses owned by marginalized groups such as women, 

minority populations, and immigrants are at greater risk of permanently closing their doors 

because these populations have historically less access to financial capital, assets, and the 

accumulation of intergenerational wealth. Businesses owned by these historically disadvantaged 

populations will be given priority as the state implements its first phase of funding.
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

20

Rental assistance

The CDC issued a national ban on evictions beginning March 2020 and ending in July. In March 

2020, the governor issued Proclamation 20-19 that prohibited residential evictions. It stops 

certain judicial eviction-related actions by residential landlords and legal actions by local law 

enforcement. 

In April, Inslee signed House Bill 5160 (Chapter 115, 2021 Laws PV) providing tenant protections 

consistent with Proclamation 20-19 for the remainder of the COVID-10 public health emergency. 

Before Proclamation 20-19 ended in June, Inslee issued a housing stability eviction moratorium 

bridge. The order filled the operational gap between his eviction moratorium and the 

protections and programs implemented in the bill that do not take effect until this September. 

Since the pandemic began, the state has given $500 million from the CARES Act and state 

funding to the Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) to help keep residential 

landlords financially solvent and prevent low-income renters from accumulating massive debt in 

back rent during the eviction moratorium. The funding supported a maximum of 12 months of 

rental assistance to landlords renting to low-income households. 

The funding proved to be supportive, but the state needs ongoing funding while the economy 

slowly recovers. The state will provide additional funding to the program in the form of $430 

million CSFRF, and $255 million in other federal funds to continue the program and fund new 

tenant support programs. The new tenant support programs include legal representation in 

eviction cases and an eviction resolution program. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

A 2011 study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University shows that renters 

are most commonly young adults, minorities and low-income households. This rental assistance 

program will serve an estimated 80,000 low-income households in our state. The department 

will require local grantees to provide assistance that is proportionate to the race and ethnicity of 

eligible people in each community. 

Use of evidence

Many evidence-based rental assistances programs focus on the needs of people with chronic 

housing insecurity. This is the first time Washington has had an eviction moratorium. It is 

necessary because of the economic crisis and a health need for people to quarantine. The new 

demand for rental assistance is coming from a population of households that could otherwise 

afford housing. This has given the state much to think about in ways to measure health and 

safety impacts for pandemic-related housing assistance resources, and the state is still 

developing its approach. Information on performance measures and data for this program can 

be found on page 43. 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

21

Business assistance

Many business sectors were required to temporarily close, and numerous businesses had to 

reduce capacity to follow social distancing requirements in Proclamation 20-25. 

To help keep small businesses afloat, the state offered $70 million in business support grants in 

November 2020. Of that, $50 million went to the state’s Working Washington Small Businesses 

Grant program to focus on the hardest-hit industries. The state also waived several state taxes

on these types of grants (i.e., business and occupation tax, retail sales tax, and public utility tax)

so that the money remained with the business. 

The influx of funds appeared to help. Some businesses used the grants to pay rent, utilities and 

payroll. Others used the grant to make technology improvements, transition to online service 

delivery or change their business models (such as enhancing takeout/curbside service). Almost 

all businesses used the grant to purchase safety and sanitation equipment to keep employees 

and customers safe.

But just as the state reopened and small businesses began to make headway, the delta variant 

spread throughout the country. It forced Washington to bring back many of the health and 

safety mandates that businesses expected to abandon with the introduction of the COVID-19 

vaccine. Small businesses, particularly those that serve the public may now experience 

prolonged impacts that they hoped to see waning by now. 

To help small businesses navigate the unpredictability of the virus, the state will spend 

$50 million CSFRF to continue business support grants. Detailed eligibility rules can be found 

on pages 54-56 of SB 5092 (Chapter 334, 2021 Laws PV), Section 129 (86)(a).

How these funds promote equity efforts

The state will target underrepresented and underserved small businesses with these grants. 

Commerce must conduct outreach to these populations and ensure the grant funding is 

equitably distributed by considering the geographic locations of its overall distribution. 

The department will partner with local organizations to conduct webinars and technical support 

to underrepresented and historically marginalized populations. The grant application asks 

questions to help Commerce determine if the applicant is from an underrepresented and 

underserved owner or if the business provides services targeting these populations. The 

application will be available in 16 languages.

Art industry grants

The conservation and development of the state’s artistic resources is essential to the social, 

educational, and economic growth of Washington. Artists, works of art and artistic institutions 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

22

contribute to the quality of life and the general welfare of citizens, and are an appropriate 

concern of state government15. 

Washington’s arts and culture sector represents 8.7% of our state’s GDP ($53.2 billion), 185,741 

jobs, and 17,642 arts-related businesses16. Organizations canceled programming because of 

school closures, and event and public gathering mandates. Layoffs and permanent job losses 

surged because organizations simply could not operate without admissions revenue.

A June 2020 survey completed by 483 art and cultural organizations and 753 individual artists 

showed that 45% of organizations could only cover three months of operating expenses with 

cash reserves, and that organizations estimated unabsorbable costs with reopening.17 The 

graphs below provide a snapshot of these survey results from the Statewide Cultural and 

Creative Economic Recovery Survey summary.

Figure 9: Financial impact of pandemic on art industry

15 RCW 43.46.005: Purpose. (wa.gov) 16 Washington Facts and Figures page and Washington Facts and Figures page

17 Statewide-Survey-handout-FINAL.pdf (wa.gov)

6% 7%

12%

18%

8% 6%

16% 17%

11%

14%

18%

14%

10% 10%

2%

22%

8%

4%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

< 1 month 1 month 2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months 6 months 7-12

months

> 12

months

Months of Cash to Cover Operating Expenses

Not tribal and/or POC-centered Tribal- and/or POC-centered

8%

41%

18% 15%

8%

4% 5% 7%

21% 24% 27%

16%

5% 3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

$0 < $5K $5K-10K $10K-25K $25-50K $50-100K >$100K

Estimated Reopening Startup Costs

Not tribal- and/or POC-centered Tribal- and/or POC-centered
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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The art and culture trades are working to reopen. But, as the figure below illustrates, 17% of 

respondents do not anticipate being able to reopen until social distancing requirements end. 

With the delta variant spreading across the state, social distancing remains a state mandate. 

Figure 10: Art industry reopening plans

Those choosing to reopen now must adapt their operations to new and enduring business 

models, such as a hybrid of in-person and online service delivery. Adapting business models will 

allow the art industry to follow health guidelines while remaining financially secure. A financially 

secure industry will rehire staff and artists. It will also branch out to hire staff and contract 

services in construction, communication, and technology sectors. But, after months of closure, 

many in the arts and culture sector cannot afford the upfront costs associated with adapting 

business models and physical space. 

The figure below shows that 44% of survey respondents cannot cover reopening costs. 

Figure 91: Art and culture sectors ability to absorb reopening costs

3.19%

10.57%

41.77%

22.60%

17.20%

4.67%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 After social

distancing

requirements end

Other

Anticipated Reopening Phase

21%

27%

23%

12%

18%

40%

21%

17% 17%

4%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

0% < 25% 25%-50% 50%-90% > 90%

Percent of Reopening Costs Organization Can Cover

Not tribal- and/or POC-centered Tribal- and/or POC-centered
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

24

The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) is charged with conserving and developing the 

state’s artistic resources. It supports Washington’s creative economy and the work of businesses 

in the arts and culture sector through capacity building programs, grants, professional 

development and other resources. 

Washington provided $2 million CSFRF to ArtsWA for grants to help stabilize, recover, and 

preserve the state’s art and cultural institutions. More specifically, ArtsWA will provide technical 

assistance and operating support grants ($3,000 - $10,000 each) to approximately 675 

organizations and cultural centers to help the art industry develop programs and business 

models that offer financial sustainability in a transforming economy and social landscape. The 

primary goal is to help the art industry safely reopen. The more businesses that can reopen —

and remain open —before the state eliminates social distancing restrictions, the sooner the 

industry can recover. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

ArtsWA will give priority to underserved and underrepresented communities. In this case, 

“underserved” means populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by 

geography, historical exclusion and marginalization due to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, 

gender identity, income, disability, or other social or institutionally imposed barriers. 

“Underrepresented” means any group or member(s) of a group who are not commonly 

represented as audience, artist, lead role, presenter, contracted professional, or other type of 

participant in the funded work.

Tourist recovery

The tourism and hospitality trade was devastated by the pandemic as people stayed home to do 

their part to prevent the spread of the virus. This caused a 33% decrease in food and beverage 

service employment, 54% reduction in arts, entertainment and recreation, and 51% in 

accommodations

18. 

The state provided $19 million CSFRF for two critical tourist recovery projects. Details are 

provided below.

Statewide tourist recovery

To help tourism-related businesses across the state, the industry must motivate in-state, out-ofstate and international tourists to choose Washington destinations. Motivating tourists requires 

outreach and confidence that their health and safety needs will be met by local establishments.

The state has provided the Washington Tourist Alliance, the state tourism marketing authority 

(RCW 43.384.020), with $12 million CSFRF to help tourism-related businesses recover. The nonprofit organization specializes in generating tourism. The group will use the funding to collect 

data and conduct research on regional and local market recovery, to re-establish existing 

18 Data Dashboard - Washington State Department of Commerce
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

25

channels and networks for marketing to domestic travelers and – eventually – to international 

travelers. It will also help businesses accommodate the health and safety needs of patrons while 

building capacity for increased tourist traffic.

How these funds promote equity efforts

Although ‘tourism and hospitality’ is the fourth largest industry overall in the state, it is the 

number one industry for many parts of Washington, particularly rural, coastal and underserved 

communities. Businesses in these areas rely on thin margins that can only be sustained by high 

tourist volumes. As the cornerstone businesses of these communities closed, workers moved 

away to secure reliable housing and food, and to find other jobs. So, in 2021 when the sector 

began to recover, it did not do so equally across the state. Tourism businesses also continues to 

be impacted by social distancing and other COVID-19 impacts. Technical assistance, no-cost 

toolkits and free marketing from the Washington Tourist Alliance will help rejuvenate these 

small tourist communities.

Clallam County Ferry project

When Canada and the United States jointly closed the border for non-essential travel, the 

Black Ball Ferry Line came to a halt. This private marine transportation service provides passage 

for walk-ons and vehicles, as well as freight transportation, to and from Washington and British 

Columbia. It is a critical ferry route for tourism and commercial travel. It provides approximately 

100 jobs during peak seasons and supports many other businesses in Clallam County. 

Without the influx of travelers and tourists from either country, the Black Ball Ferry Line and 

other local businesses suffered significant economic hardship. Going on more than a year of 

border closure, this private marine transportation industry cannot remain financially solvent 

without help. 

The Clallam County Ferry project is tasked with stabilizing the Black Ball Ferry Line as well as the 

tourist and hospitality businesses that rely so heavily on its operation. The state will contribute 

$5 million CSFRF toward grants to fund payroll, mortgage or rent, utilities, and investments that 

help prevent the spread of the virus.

How these funds promote equity efforts

Clallam County has four geographic locations that are designated Difficult Development Areas 

and Qualified Census Tracts by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Grants 

will help businesses located in these census tracks. 

Use of funds: Infrastructure

Washington has set aside approximately $1.3 billion CSFRF to invest in clean water, drinking 

water, broadband and utility improvements for affordable housing developments in the 2021-23 

biennium. 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

26

Overview of broadband projects

A stable broadband infrastructure provides equitable distance learning opportunities, drives job 

creation, promotes innovation, improves economic vitality, and expands markets for Washington 

businesses. In 2019, Inslee signed Senate Bill 5511 (Chapter 365, 2019 Laws), which created the 

Washington State Broadband Office. The office’s goal is to provide affordable and fast 

broadband service in underserved areas. It soon developed a road map to bring 150 Mbps 

broadband service to all businesses and residences in the state by 2028. This means the sending 

and receiving service will each reach 150 Mbps. The pandemic has taught the state that access 

to quality broadband could not wait until our initial funding plans for 2028. 

As schools and higher education institutions moved to distance learning, and many industries 

transitioned to remote work, digital inequity across the state became more apparent. Workers 

living in areas with inadequate broadband couldn’t work remotely, making them more likely to 

take jobs outside of the home. Unfortunately, jobs outside of the home still put people at 

greater risk of contracting the virus.

How these funds promote equity 

efforts

Adult students living in areas with 

inadequate broadband couldn’t 

continue their education. And school 

children, from preschool to high 

school, suffered greater learning loss 

than their peers who lived in 

communities with adequate 

broadband service.

This digital divide is more present in

rural areas of the state. Broadband 

service providers in less populated

rural areas tend to earn less and have higher construction costs than equivalent networks in 

densely populated urban areas. Many rural areas get left behind. Locations with fewer than six 

residents per square mile, as indicated in orange on the map below, indicate the breadth of 

digital disparities across the state19. 

To counter broadband inequity, the state set aside approximately $262 million CSFRF to 

improve broadband infrastructure today and decrease the digital divide across communities. A 

description of those projects is listed on the following page.

19 Broadband in Washington | Data.WA | State of Washington

Figure 102: Population density and broadband inequity
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

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Competitive broadband grants

Washington will use approximately $260 million CSFRF to provide grants to eligible applicants 

for broadband infrastructure projects. To be eligible, broadband projects must follow CSFRF 

conditions and meet the following criteria: 

• Have existing broadband service with speeds at a minimum of 100 megabits per second 

download and at a minimum 20 megabits per second upload.

• Be in locations where the State Broadband Office, in consultation with the State Equity

Office, determines that access to existing broadband service is not affordable or 

equitable.

• Procure sufficient resources from local governments. This includes ports and public utility 

districts, federally recognized tribes, public school districts, nonprofit organizations, or 

entities comprised of public members who will help fund deployment. 

Of the $260 million CSFRF, $5 million is set aside to provide broadband equity and affordability 

grants with priority given to “distressed areas” (defined in RCW 43.168.020).

Centralia School District broadband

Washington will provide schools in this rural community with approximately $1.5 million CSFRF

to build private networks on school and library rooftops that will create wi-fi hotspots. 

Wanapum Indian Village broadband project

Washington will provide $155,000 CSFRF to purchase and install fiber optics across the Priest 

Rapids Dam to the remote Wanapum Indian Village. Homes for 70 residents, the Longhouse 

(used for cultural purposes), and auxiliary buildings will receive reliable, high-speed broadband 

to serve the community.

Water and sewer projects

The state has set aside approximately $111 million CSFRF for potential investments in water 

and sewer infrastructure projects that could meet eligibility guidelines under the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Fund 

(CWSRF). 

Not only will the state make an eligibility determination for each project, but each project must 

also align with the local jurisdiction’s growth management plan before OFM will approve 

funding. 

A growth management plan is required by the state Growth Management Act (GMA). This act is 

a series of state statutes that require fast-growing cities and counties to develop a 

comprehensive plan to manage their population growth (Chapter 36.70A RCW). It must include 

protecting basic public health, safety, and the environment. 

Water and sewer projects under consideration are listed below by expenditure category. 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

28

Clean water: Centralized wastewater treatment

The state identified seven projects across the state that qualify for this category, with a total of 

approximately $25.1 million CSFRF. The projects are outlined below.

Port Hadlock Wastewater facility

Construct a municipal wastewater collection, treatment and re-use system to eliminate reliance 

on existing septic tanks and leach field systems. It will protect water bodies from pollution and 

help Jefferson County meet future growth rate potential. 

Crusher Canyon sewer line

Make sewer collection system improvements by linking large tracts of residential property within 

the city limits to facilitate up to 1,174 new dwellings and commercial businesses.

Dryden Wastewater improvement project

Complete wastewater treatment plant improvements to enhance water quality in the Wenatchee 

River by reducing phosphorus. The improvements will also support anticipated economic 

growth.

Packwood Sewer system

Build a new municipal sewer system to meet economic development and improve business 

opportunities.

Port of Mattawa Wastewater infrastructure

Expand the port’s wastewater treatment system to keep up with the growth of the local grape 

crushing/winemaking sector, which provides over 200 jobs in Mattawa. 

Vader Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements

Upgrade plant to meet the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit compliance

recommendations and improve water discharge to Olequa Creek to protect the health of 

individuals and aquatic environments.

Fall City waste management system

Develop a new, centralized wastewater treatment facility to provide adequate wastewater 

infrastructure and stop the use of septic tanks that are draining directly through sandy soils into 

the Snoqualmie River.

Clean water: Centralized wastewater collection and conveyance

The state identified five projects across the state that qualify for this spending category, with a 

total of approximately $18.5 million CSFRF. To note, two projects correlate to centralized 

wastewater treatment projects that we identified above. The other projects are outlined below.

Leach Creek interceptor extension

Design and construct 2,600 feet of new sewer main, which will provide sanitary sewer service to 

20 acres of unsewered properties in the city of University Place.
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

29

Chelan – Anderson Road project predesign

Design and plan wastewater infrastructure for an affordable home ownership project in Chelan 

Valley. The housing project will serve approximately 35-45 low-to-moderate income households.

Battle Ground – New pump station and force main

Provide centralized wastewater services to an area located within the city of Battle Ground with 

no current services. This will open 595 acres of land that will generate additional state and local 

tax revenue.

Port Hadlock wastewater facility

Expand the Port Hadlock wastewater treatment system to accommodate the treatment of large 

amounts of wine manufacturing waste.

Packwood sewer system

Build a new municipal sewer system, which includes off-site collection and transport to meet 

economic development and improve business opportunities.

Clean water: Other sewer infrastructure

One project, the Shelton Reclaimed Water Project, meets this spending category. The state will use 

approximately $2 million CSFRF to design and construct a 750,000-gallon, in-ground storage tank at 

Shelton’s satellite wastewater treatment plant. The new storage tank will alleviate demands on two water 

tables and help restore streamflow in the Goldsborough Creek watershed.

Clean water: Stormwater

Three projects across the state have been identified to meet this spending category, for a total 

of approximately $13.5 million CSFRF. The projects are outlined below.

Louis Thompson Road tightline

Design and complete stormwater and non-motorized improvements to Louis Thompson Road

Northeast to improve the water quality flowing from Zackuse Creek into Lake Sammamish. It will 

also accommodate increased runoff.

Fry Creek pump station

Reduce flood risk to 1,000 dwelling units and multiple businesses by constructing a new pump 

station in the city of Aberdeen.

Mill Creek flood control channel

Reduce flood risk to 27,000 dwelling units and historic downtown Walla Walla by repairing the 

current eight-mile flood control channel. This will safeguard property worth more than $7 

billion. 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

30

Clean water: Water conservation

The state has identified three projects to meet this spending category, for a total of 

approximately $13.6 million CSFRF. The projects are outlined below.

Cheney purple pipe project

Build a new water re-use system to deliver reclaimed water to city green spaces with greatest

irrigation needs while reducing dependency on regional aquifers.

Othello water conservation system

Provide a new sustainable water source for irrigation, to decrease the demand on the Wanapum 

Aquifer by 225 million gallons per year. When it’s complete, utility costs will be reduced for

Hispanic/Latino ratepayers and low-income ratepayers. 

Boat Haven stormwater improvement

Construct a chemically-enhanced, sand filtration stormwater treatment system to bring the 30-

acre Port Townsend Boat Haven Boat Yard into compliance with Ecology’s Boatyard General 

Stormwater Permit.

Clean water: Nonpoint source

The state identified two projects across the state that qualify for this spending category, with a 

total of $876,000 CSFRF. The projects are outlined below.

City of Ilwaco – Drinking water source protection

Secure healthy drinking water for citizens by purchasing 210 acres of forested watershed, including 

timber rights, from a commercial timber production company. 

Lake management plan

Monitor water quality and provide remediation services for Lacamas Lake, Round Lake and 

Fallen Leaf Lake.

Drinking water: Treatment 

One project, Water Treatment at City of Dupont, meets this spending category. The state will use 

approximately $6 million CSFRF to provide safe drinking water by constructing a new treatment 

system to filter per-and polyfluoroalkyl contamination found in water wells.

Drinking water: Transmission and distribution

The state has identified five projects to meet this expenditure category, totaling approximately 

$6.4 million CSFRF. The projects are outlined below.

City of Fircrest water meter replacement

Improve water efficiency and conservation by replacing aging water meters with an advanced 

metering infrastructure in the City of Fircrest. The new system will result in accurate water 

readings and help identify water leaks.
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

31

Index-phased water line replacement

Provide safe drinking water to homes, businesses, and public areas by replacing water mains 

that are over 50 years old and made of concrete asbestos.

Malaga industrial waterline extension

Supply domestic water and fire protection to a newly developed 72.5-acre industrial park by 

extending the current watermain 3⁄4 of a mile and constructing a water storage tank. Utilities to 

the new industrial park will create jobs and increase the tax base in the county.

Bridgeport Reservoir No. 2, water supply and distribution

Increase fire suppression capacity in the City of Bridgeport with enhancements to the following:

• Water storage

• Back-up power at wells 

• Water pressure

• Telemetry

• Water pipelines

• Booster stations

• Steam pressure reducing valve station

Water main infrastructure extension project

Extend the existing Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District water main to meet the needs of 

future development to north of I-90 near the City of George.

Drinking water: Source

Two projects across the state meet this expenditure category, totaling approximately $16

million CSFRF. The projects are outlined below.

Airway Heights water resources replacement

Develop new water production wells from the Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer because

the current wells are contaminated with concentrated levels of fluorinated organic chemicals.

New well for Peshastin

Build a new well to replace one of the three operable wells in Chalan County that was 

contaminated with E. coli in 2017. 

Clean water: Drinking water storage

One project, the Shelton Well One Water Main project, meets this spending category. The state 

will use approximately $2 million CSFRF to convert the current open-air, gravity-fed water line 

to a pressurized line that will eliminate potential environmental impacts to water distribution 

system.
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

32

Drinking water: Other water infrastructure

The state has identified three projects across Washington to meet this expenditure category, 

totaling approximately $2 million CSFRF. The projects are outlined below.

Skamania County well installation

Install a new well at the eight-acre county fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are used for emergency 

management services such as housing evacuees, firefighters and displaced animals during fire 

season. The state also uses them as COVID-19 vaccination sites. 

Wallula Dodd water system

Ensure job retention for 450 employees at Packaging Corporation of America, 15 employees at 

Union Pacific Railroad, and 30 employees at Boise Cascade Trucking by continuing to expand 

the port’s water system. 

Omak Water Reservoir

Establish an interagency fire fighting/emergency response facility at the Omak Airport by 

building a 300,000-gallon elevated reservoir connected to the existing water system.

Potential drinking water: Other water infrastructure projects

Infrastructure proposals: Multiple potential expenditure categories 

Washington has set aside $747,000 CSFRF for two potential clean water/drinking water 

projects. The projects described below are under review to determine if they demonstrate a 

water quality benefit and meet the eligibility criteria from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. 

The projects are also under review for eligibility under Expenditure Category 3: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities and Revenue Replacement: Provision of Government 

Services.

Belfair water reclamation facility

Provide rate relief to help stabilize current utility rates, which will retain existing businesses and 

jobs.

Malden USDA water loan

Relieve the town of Malden from current loan burdens and allow the town to rebuild, without 

incurring debt, from damage caused by the September 2020 fire that displaced 80% of 

homeowners. The town has gone from 102 paying ratepayers to less than 50 paying ratepayers. 

Replace culverts 

Washington dedicated over $326 million of state funds to remove, replace, and restore culverts 

in the 2021-23 biennium. The state has placed $400 million CSFRF aside for the same use, while 

the projects are pending review. The review includes project eligibility and connecting with 

funding proposed in the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act specifically for culverts. By 

state law, only OFM can release the CSFRF for culvert projects20. If experts determine that the 

20 2021-23 Biennium Transportation Budget, Senate Bill 5165 (Chapter 333, 2021 Laws PV); page 64 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

33

project(s) meet federal eligibility criteria, then OFM will release the funds. The state will provide 

additional information in a supplemental update to this report. 

Grants for affordable housing development utility connections

Shelter is a basic human need. Washington is committed to seeing that safe, decent and 

affordable housing is available across the state for all residents. Over 35 years ago, our state 

created the Housing Trust Fund, which has invested more than $1 billion in state dollars to 

provide affordable housing opportunities for people with incomes less than 80% of the Area 

Median Income (AMI). Most properties house individuals or families with special needs or 

incomes below 30% AMI. Affordable housing developments can apply for loans or grants to 

finance capital projects. The state awards funding through an annual, competitive application 

cycle. 

Even before the pandemic, safe and affordable housing was paramount in Inslee’s policy 

agenda. In December 2019, he announced an aggressive plan to combat homelessness 

statewide with a funding proposal to reduce homelessness by 50% in two years. 

Within three months however, America would enter a worldwide public health crisis unlike 

anything in modern history. The focus quickly changed to helping people keep the housing they 

had, and help unsheltered individuals and families find immediate temporary dwellings with 

adequate utilities and sanitation systems that could help prevent the spread of the virus. 

The state began addressing this need in March 2020. Over $172 million was invested 

for affordable housing construction and $6 million was invested to enhance shelter capacity

over the 2019-21 biennium.

For the 2021-23 biennium, the state will provide $27 million CSFRF and $7.6 million in state 

funds to local governments and public utility districts that have system development charges for

utility improvements to new and existing affordable housing projects. These projects must serve 

low-income households and they must be consistent with the city or county’s growth 

management plan. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

Homeless individuals and families are disproportionally impacted by the virus. They are more 

likely to have preexisting medical conditions that increase their susceptibility to COVID-19. 

Unsheltered people experience greater risk of contracting the virus compared to homeless 

individuals and families who have some form of shelter. Lack of access to hygiene equipment 

and services makes it especially difficult to stay clean and prevent widespread infections. This 

can have devastating consequences. 

A recent report published by the nonprofit National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates 

that the homeless population in the U.S. is twice as likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19, two 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

34

to four times as likely to require critical care, and two to three times as likely to die in 

comparison to the general public.

These grants will improve access to adequate utilities in affordable housing developments. The 

state gives priority to jurisdictions that have a sales tax and use tax, creating a higher cost of 

living in the area. Approximately $10.7 million of the $27 million CSFRF must be awarded to a

city or county with a population of 150,000, so that we target affordable housing developments 

in rural areas. 

Labor practices

All laborers and mechanics who are employed though state contractors and subcontractors 

must follow the laws that govern hourly wages, benefits, overtime, and other related labor 

practices for public works projects (Chapter 39.12 RCW). The Washington State Department of 

Labor and Industries periodically reviews contract compliance with these laws as well as

collective bargaining agreements or market rate wage data.

Whenever possible, the state gives priority to contractors who commit to local hires and small 

businesses that have been certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s 

Business Enterprises. 

Use of funds: Services to disproportionately impacted 

communities 

Arguably, most services and projects that the state will fund with CSFRF are tailored to serve 

disproportionately impacted communities and populations, but many of them fall under other 

approved federal expenditure categories. Two planned projects meet this federal expenditure 

category alone, totaling just over $8.1 million CSFRF.

Improving healthy childhood environments 

When schools closed and the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order went into effect, the state saw an 

unprecedented drop in the number of allegations of child abuse and child neglect reported to 

the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The following figure 

shows a 45% decrease in these reports immediately after the governor announced Proclamation 

20-25. 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

35

Figure 11: Child abuse and neglect reports during the pandemic: 2020-2021 intake

This immediately raised concerns because there was no indication that the pandemic would 

directly or indirectly reduce child maltreatment. In times of economic hardship and high 

unemployment rates, the state typically sees an increase in allegations. But this was the first

economic crisis coupled with quarantining. Children were isolated from mandatory reporters, 

such as school personnel, as well as friends and extended family members. The DOH also saw a 

dramatic drop in pediatric well-child checkups. Isolation is the reason the state believes that 

child maltreatment continued even though reporting decreased.

When schools reopened from distance learning, the trend became less severe, and the number 

of reports began to climb back up to pre-COVID trends. But, with the delta variant spreading 

across the state and no vaccine approved for children under the age of 12, the state is 

concerned that increased quarantining may reverse these positive gains. 

It is a complicated problem with limited, available solutions. The state knows the most effective 

child protective factors in times of economic hardship are social and professional supports, 

knowledge of child development, positive parenting skills, and concrete goods. The state also

knows that most reported child maltreatment cases are neglect cases. Neglect cases are often 

secondary to poverty – resulting in a parent’s inability to feed, cloth, bathe and safely house a 

child. 

Concrete supports and positive relationships with professionals within their community are

critical to helping a struggling parent reduce stress, access health and safety services and 

equipment, and minimize the need for involvement in the child welfare system.

Washington is developing a new program to help the state know where it needs to deploy child 

abuse prevention and intervention supports during times of increased family isolation. The 

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

2-Feb

16-Feb

1-Mar

15-Mar29-Mar

12-Apr26-Apr

10-May24-May

7-Jun

21-Jun

5-Jul

19-Jul

2-Aug

16-Aug30-Aug

13-Sep27-Sep

11-Oct25-Oct

8-Nov

22-Nov

6-Dec

20-Dec

3-Jan

17-Jan31-Jan

14-Feb28-Feb

14-Mar28-Mar

11-Apr25-Apr

9-May

23-May

6-Jun

20-Jun

4-Jul

18-Jul

1-Aug

Screen In Screen Out

 2020 2021 
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

36

program will provide trusted community partners across the state with resources to reach out to 

their communities and respond to families with tangible supports and services that go beyond 

the current treatment service models for parents. 

The state will provide DCYF with $5.5 million CSFRF and $4 million state funds for this effort. 

Community providers will give an estimated 13,600 families concrete goods and services (such 

as diapers) or reimbursement for a bill from the plumber or other household necessities. It will 

provide participating families with a one-time grant of $250 per-child for up to 22,000 children. 

It will give struggling parents the chance to build a relationship with a provider that may 

become a lasting local resource for the family. 

How these funds promote equity efforts

Families below the federal poverty line are three times more likely to have a substantiated 

incidence of child maltreatment21. That’s why these grants will mainly go toward communities 

with high rates of poverty and historically high rates of confirmed neglect cases. 

Use of evidence

This is a new state program. Washington is currently searching for an existing evidence-based 

program or promising-practices models that could be adopted. For example, a portion of the 

funding may be provided to Home Visiting (HV) service providers, which is a well-established 

evidence-based program that we offer throughout Washington. Regardless, the state has 

identified performance measures and evidence that it will collect. You can find this on page 43. 

DCYF will conduct a follow-up survey to parents and organizations to gather information on the 

program’s effectiveness. It will also ask organizations to keep a waitlist of interested families 

once an organization spends the funding. 

Housing and Essential Needs program

The Housing and Essential Needs program (HEN) pays for the rent of private market housing 

units for people facing homelessness who can’t work because of a qualifying medical or mental 

health impairment or disability. The eligible population for HEN has grown with the introduction 

of long-haul pandemic symptoms and related economic hardships that affect physical health 

problems and mental health disorders. Many traditional, congregate-care homeless housing 

areas have either closed, or are at capacity because they must take in less people due to health 

and safety mandates. That leaves private market housing units as one of the only options to 

help combat homelessness during the pandemic. 

The state has provided $2.6 million CSFRF to support the increase demand of the HEN 

program. 

21 US Natlabs (nih.gov)
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

37

How these funds promote equity efforts

To be eligible for the HEN program, a person must be homeless or at risk of homelessness. They 

must also have a medically confirmed physical or mental health impairment or disability, or be 

an immigrant over the age of 65 with non-qualifying status. This program serves a marginalized 

population. It gives higher priority to those most vulnerable to illness, death or trauma (this is 

outlined in the state’s Coordinated Entry Guidelines). These funds will move this vulnerable 

population into a safer and more stable housing option. It will also give them basic necessities 

that they can’t purchase with benefits from SNAP or FAP (such as hygiene products, toilet paper 

and first aid kits). 

Use of evidence

The HEN program was implemented in 2011. The Research and Data Analysis Division (RDA) of 

the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services completed an evaluation of 

HEN in 2013. The evaluation found that, compared to comparison groups, HEN recipients over a 

six-month follow-up period experienced greater housing stability, remained connected to 

SNAP/FAP assistance at significantly higher rates, and were less likely to be incarcerated in a 

state DOC facility22. RDA plans to complete a post-pandemic evaluation of HEN at a future date. 

Information on performance measures and data for this program can be found on page 43.

Use of funds: Administrative and other

The state has appropriated approximately $1.6 million CSFRF to OFM for the following 

temporary staffing supports and administrative services: 

• Meet U.S. Treasury reporting requirements.

• Lead the Washington Recovery Group.

• Manage increased statewide accounting and budgeting workload.

• Obtain contracted services and legal services.

Project inventory and expenses by expenditure category

The state has set aside approximately $3.2 billion CSFRF. The chart below lists each project, 

provides the federal expenditure category for each project, captures the amount of CSFRF 

dedicated to each project, and notes current expenditure known to date.

Approximately $49.2 million CSFRF has been spent to date. 

22 RDA-HEN Research (wa.gov)
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

38

Category Project title

Total 

dedicated 

funds

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount 

spent since 

last recovery 

plan

Federal expenditure 

category Authored by state

Amount of 

CSFRF set 

aside by state

For the initial Recovery Plan, 

“Cumulative expenditures to 

date” and “Amount spent since 

last Recovery Plan” will be 

equal. Items with no 

expenditures will be noted with 

“N/A.”

1: Public health 

1.4

Prevention in 

congregate settings 

Corrections: 

COVID-19 

Response

$42,193,000 N/A N/A

1.6 Medical expenses 

UW Medical enter 

revenue 

replacement 

$35,000,000 $35,000,000 $35,000,000

1.6 Medical expenses 

Uninsured and

underinsured care $35,000,000 N/A N/A

1.12 Other public health 

services

Opioidshealthcare 

provider 

curriculum

$250,000 N/A N/A

1.12 Other public health 

services

Behavioral health 

provider relief 

funds 

$31,000,000 N/A N/A

2: Negative economic impacts

2.1

Household 

assistance: Food 

programs 

State Food 

Assistance 

program

$10,798,000 $5,399,000 $5,399,000

2.1

Household 

assistance: Food 

programs 

Farm-to-School 

program

$5,000,000 N/A N/A

2.1

Household 

assistance: Food 

programs 

The Emergency 

Food Assistance 

program

$43,000,000 $8,978,461 $8,978,461

2.1

Household 

assistance: Food 

programs 

Farmers to 

Families food 

boxes 

$45,000,000 N/A N/A

2.3

Household 

assistance: Cash 

transfers 

Immigrant relief 

funding $340,000,000 N/A N/A

2.5

Household 

assistance: Eviction 

prevention

Rental assistance $403,000,000 N/A N/A
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

39

Category Project title

Total 

dedicated 

funds

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount 

spent since 

last recovery 

plan

2.6

Unemployment 

benefits or cash 

assistance to 

unemployed workers

Pandemic paid 

leave assistance $168,745,000 N/A N/A

2.9 Small business 

economic assistance

Business 

assistance $50,000,000 N/A N/A

2.11 Aid to tourism, 

travel, or hospitality

Clallam County 

Ferry project $5,000,000 N/A N/A

2.11 Aid to tourism, 

travel, or hospitality

Statewide tourist 

recovery

$12,000,000 N/A N/A

2.12 Aid to other 

impacted industries

Food supply chain, 

and food 

infrastructure and 

market access

$17,000,000 N/A N/A

2.12 Aid to other 

impacted industries Art industry grants $2,000,000 N/A N/A

2.13 Other economic 

support 

Unemployment 

Insurance Relief 

Account

$500,000,000 N/A N/A

3: Services to disproportionately impacted communities

3.9 Healthy childhood 

environments: Other

Improving healthy 

childhood 

environments

$5,500,000 N/A N/A

3.10

Housing support: 

Affordable housing 

Housing and 

Essential Needs 

program

$2,610,000 N/A N/A

5: Infrastructure

5.1

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

treatment

Port Hadlock 

wastewater facility $10,088,000 N/A N/A

5.1

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

treatment

Crusher Canyon 

sewer line $1,000,000 N/A N/A

5.1

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

treatment

Dryden 

wastewater 

improvement 

project 

$1,030,000 N/A N/A

5.1

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

treatment

Packwood sewer 

system $4,025,000 N/A N/A
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

40

Category Project title

Total 

dedicated 

funds

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount 

spent since 

last recovery 

plan

5.1

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

treatment

Port of Mattawa 

wastewater 

infrastructure

$618,000 N/A N/A

5.1

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

treatment

Vader wastewater 

treatment plant 

improvements

$1,850,000 N/A N/A

5.1

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

treatment

Fall City waste 

management 

system

$6,500,000 N/A N/A

5.2

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

collection and 

conveyance

Leach Creek 

interceptor 

extension

$2,100,000 N/A N/A

5.2

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

collection and 

conveyance

Chelan – Anderson 

Road project 

design

$258,000 N/A N/A

5.2

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

collection and 

conveyance

Battleground –

Pump station and 

force main

$2,050,000 N/A N/A

5.2

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

collection and 

conveyance

Port Hadlock 

wastewater facility $10,088,000 N/A N/A

5.2

Clean water: 

Centralized 

wastewater 

collection and 

conveyance

Packwood sewer 

system $4,025,000 N/A N/A

5.3 Clean water: Other 

sewer infrastructure

Shelton reclaimed 

water project $2,050,000 N/A N/A

5.6 Clean water: 

Stormwater

Louis Thompson 

Road tightline $3,000,000 N/A N/A

5.6 Clean water: 

Stormwater

Fry Creek pump 

station $8,975,000 N/A N/A
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

41

Category Project title

Total 

dedicated 

funds

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount 

spent since 

last recovery 

plan

5.6 Clean water: 

Stormwater

Mill Creek flood 

control channel $1,545,000 N/A N/A

5.8 Clean water: Water 

conservation

Cheney Purple 

Pipe project $11,050,000 N/A N/A

5.8 Clean water: Water 

conservation

Othello water 

conservation 

system

$515,000 N/A N/A

5.8 Clean water: Water 

conservation

Boat Haven 

stormwater 

improvement

$2,050,000 N/A N/A

5.9

Clean water: 

Nonpoint source

City of Ilwaco –

Drinking water 

source protection

$721,000 N/A N/A

5.9

Clean water: 

Nonpoint source

Lake management 

plan $155,000 N/A N/A

5:10

Drinking Water: 

Treatment Water treatment 

at City of Dupont $5,950,000 N/A N/A

5.11

Drinking water: 

Transmission and

distribution

City of Fircrest 

water meter 

replacement

$171,000 N/A N/A

5.11

Drinking water: 

Transmission and

distribution

Index-phased 

water line 

replacement

$1,351,000 N/A N/A

5.11

Drinking water: 

Transmission and

distribution

Malaga industrial 

waterline 

extension

$1,545,000 N/A N/A

5.11

Drinking water: 

Transmission and

distribution

Bridgeport 

Reservoir No. 2, 

water supply and

distribution

$3,200,000 N/A N/A

5.11

Drinking water: 

Transmission and

distribution

Water main 

infrastructure 

extension project

$155,000 N/A N/A

5.13 Drinking water: 

Source

Airway Heights 

water resources 

replacement

$14,950,000 N/A N/A

5.13 Drinking water: 

Source

New well for 

Peshastin $1,100,000 N/A N/A

5.14 Drinking Water: 

Storage

Shelton: Well One 

water main $2,050,00 N/A N/A
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

42

Category Project title

Total 

dedicated 

funds

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount 

spent since 

last recovery 

plan

5.15

Drinking water: 

Other water 

infrastructure

Skamania County 

well installation $52,000 N/A N/A

5.15

Drinking water: 

Other water 

infrastructure

Wallula Dodd 

Water system $2,050,000 N/A N/A

5.15

Drinking water: 

Other water 

infrastructure

Omak Water 

Reservoir $4,300,000 N/A N/A

5.15

Drinking water: 

Other water 

infrastructure

Infrastructure 

proposals: 

Multiple potential 

expenditure 

categories

$747,000 These projects are currently 

being reviewed for eligibility 

and other considerations. No 

expenditure authority has been 

provided at this time. 5.15

Drinking water: 

Other water 

infrastructure

Replace culverts $400,000,000

5.15

Drinking water: 

Other water 

infrastructure

Grants for 

affordable housing 

development 

utility connections

$27,000,000 N/A N/A

5.17 Broadband: Other 

projects

Competitive 

broadband grants $260,003,000 N/A N/A

5.17 Broadband: Other 

projects

Centralia School 

District broadband $1,529,000 N/A N/A

5.17 Broadband: Other 

projects

Wanapum Indian 

Village Broadband 

project

$155,000 N/A N/A

6: Revenue replacement

6.1 Provision of 

government services

Transportation 

revenue 

replacement*

$600,000,000 N/A N/A

7: Administrative and other

7.1 Administrative 

expenses 

Administrative and 

other $1,560,000 N/A N/A
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

43

Performance reporting

The state has identified 15 projects that require performance reporting or review for evidencebased practices. We provided performance measures and anticipated data collection below for 

each project. 

Pandemic paid leave assistance

Negative economic impacts

$168,745,000 CSFRF

2.6: Unemployment benefits or cash to 

unemployed workers

Performance outcome: Percent increase of 

approved Paid Family Medical Leave claims.

Percent increased support to economically 

vulnerable and racially diverse populations.

Data:

• Number of applications

• Number of claims approved and paid 

• By type of leave

• Benefits paid in dollars

• Demographic information 

Immigrant relief funding

$340,000,000 CSFRF

2.3: Household assistance: Cash transfers

Performance outcome: Percent of 

immigrants with unauthorized status that 

receive the cash grant.

Data: 

• Number of applications

• Number of approved applications

• Number of denied applications

• Reason for application denial

• Number and name of community-based 

organizations processing the applications

State Food Assistance program

Negative economic impacts

$10,798,000 CSFRF

2.1: Household food programs

Performance outcome: Percent of 

immigrants with unauthorized status that 

receive the monthly state-funded food 

grant equivalent to SAP benefits.

Data:

• Number of applications

• Number of approved applications

• Number of denied applications

• Reason for application denial

The Emergency Food Assistance 

program

Negative economic impacts

$43,000,000 CSFRF

2.1: Household food programs

Performance outcome: Percent of food 

relief organizations that open/remain open. 

Percent of clients served by food relief 

organization. Percent of local farm venders 

that the state uses.

Data:

• Number of clients served 

• Number of hunger relief organizations 

• Location of organization

• Grant amount per organization

• Number of farm and farm venders – food 

purchased
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

44

Farmers to Families food boxes 

Negative economic impacts

$45,000,000 CSFRF

2.1: Household food programs

Performance outcome: Percent of 

households that receive a food box.

Data:

• Number of households served

• County – served

• Demographic information 

• Grant amount per organization

• Pounds of Washington produce

• Number of participating Washington

businesses 

• County – procurement

Food supply chain, and food 

infrastructure and market access

Negative economic impacts

$17,000,000 CSFRF

2.13: Other economic support

Performance outcome: Percent of grants 

distributed. Percent of women and minorityowned businesses served. Percent of small 

businesses served.

Data:

• Number of farms

• Number of food processing plants

• Number of food distributors 

• Location of services

• Number of women-owned businesses

• Number of minority-owned businesses

• Number of small businesses 

Rental assistance

Negative economic impacts

$403,000,000 CSFRF

2.5: Household assistance: Eviction 

prevention 

Performance outcome: Percent of people 

that receive rental assistance. Percent of 

landlords that receive rental assistance on 

behalf of a tenant. Percent of local grantees 

that provide assistance proportionally to the

race and ethnicity of eligible people in their 

community.

Data:

• Number of households whose rent is paid

• Household income

• Household location

• Amount per household

• Number of months of assistance provided 

per household

• Race/ethnicity of households served

• Amount per grantee

Business assistance

Negative economic impacts

$50,000,000 CSFRF

2.9: Small business economic assistance 

Performance outcome: Percent of 

businesses that that receive assistance and 

reopen or remain open. 

Data:

• Number of businesses supported 

• Type of business supported 

• Scale of the organizations

• Months open

• Location of business 

• Number of organizations led by members 

of underserved communities

• Number of organizations accommodated 

in underserved communities
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

45

Art industry grants

Negative Economic Impacts

$2,000,000 CSFRF

2.12: Aid to other impacted industries

Performance outcome: Percent of art and

cultural organizations that reopen or stay 

open after receiving an ArtsWA Grant. 

Percent of services to underserved and 

underrepresented communities.

Data:

• Number of organizations supported 

• Type of organizations supported 

• Scale of the organizations 

• Number of organizations led by members 

of underserved communities

• Number of government, tribe, non-profit, 

for profit organizations or individual

artists served

• Number of Washingtonians benefited as

audience, participants, employees, etc.

• Demographic information of audience, 

participants, employees, etc.

• Months open

• Grant amounts per organization

Clallam County Ferry project

Negative economic impacts

$5,000,000 CSFRF

2.11: Aid to tourism, travel, or hospitality

Performance outcome: Percent of private 

marine transportation jobs created or 

maintained. Percent of businesses remaining 

open by qualified census tract. 

Data:

• Number of jobs

• Number of open businesses 

• Location of business/qualified census 

tract number

• Grant amount

• Months open

• Number of minority or women-owned 

business 

Uninsured and underinsured care 

Public health

$35,000,000 CSFRF

1.6: Medical expenses

Performance outcome: Percent of COVID19 treatment claims paid on behalf of

uninsured/underinsured individuals with 

income at/or below 200% FPL.

Data:

• Number of medical providers 

• Number of claims

• Number of patients

• Reimbursement amount per claim

• Reimbursement amount per patient 

• Date of service

• Income level of patient

• Type of medical service provider

Behavioral health provider relief 

funds 

Public health

$31,000,000 CSFRF

1.12: Other public health services 

Performance outcome: Percent of 

behavioral health providers remaining open 

after receipt of financial assistance. Percent 

of providers that maintain six or more 

patients receiving Medicaid or ongoing 

state-funded medical assistance. 

Data:

• Number of behavioral health providers 

• Award amount per provider

• Provider closures

• Number of Medicaid/state-medical 

program claims
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

46

Corrections: COVID-19 Response

Public health

$42,193,000 CSFRF

1.4: Prevention in congregate settings

Performance outcome: Percent of 

confirmed COVID-19 cases. Percent COVID19 related deaths. 

Data:

• Number of confirmed cases – incarcerated 

individuals 

• Number of confirmed cases – staff 

• Number of deaths – incarcerated 

individuals 

• Number of deaths – staff 

Improving healthy childhood 

environments 

Services to disproportionately impacted 

communities 

$5,500,000 CSFRF

3.9: Healthy childhood environments: Other

Performance outcome: Percent of families 

who receive economic support through 

concrete goods and services. Percent of 

families who receive economic support

through a one-time, $250 grant per child. 

Percent of families living in a community 

with historically high rates of confirmed 

child abuse and neglect cases. 

Data:

• Number of organizations providing 

concrete goods

• Number of families receiving concrete 

goods

• Types of concrete goods provided

• Location of families 

• Age and number of children per family 

• Number of deaths – staff

Housing and essential needs

Services to disproportionately impacted 

communities 

$2,600,000 CSFRF

3.10: Housing support: Affordable housing 

Performance outcome: Percent of people 

eligible for HEN that obtain or maintain 

housing. Percent of people that exit HEN 

into a permanent housing placement. 

Data: 

• Number of people eligible for HEN

• Number of people eligible for HEN 

receiving services

• Cost per person

• Length of stay

• Number of people that exit to permanent 

housing
State of Washington Recovery Plan Performance Report

47

Ineligible activities: Tax offset provision

Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds may not be used to offset a reduction directly or 

indirectly to net tax revenue due to changes in state laws, regulations, or administrative 

interpretations that have occurred since March 3 (under federal rule 31 CFR Part 35). As of the 

time of this publication, Washington has not applied Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds to 

this purpose. Going forward, the state will track this closely, beginning with reporting year state 

fiscal year 2021.

Item Amount

a. Revenue-reducing Covered Changes $0.00