Thurston County, Washington

Recovery Plan

State and Local

Fiscal Recovery Funds

2021 Report

August 31, 2021

Our Mission:

To create a community that promotes

health, commerce, and environmental protection

with transparency and accountability.
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Thurston County, Washington

2021 Recovery Plan

Table of Contents

General Overview....................................................................................................................... 2

Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................................2

Uses of Funds..............................................................................................................................................3

Promoting Equitable Outcomes..................................................................................................................9

Community Engagement.............................................................................................................................9

Labor Practices............................................................................................................................................9

Use of Evidence.........................................................................................................................................10

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category.............................................................................................11

Project Inventory...................................................................................................................... 13

1.1 Vaccine Incentives ....................................................................................................................13

1.4.B Install Body Scanner in County Jail............................................................................................14

2.1.A Senior Nutrition and Support Program ................................................................................... 14

2.1.B Food Programs ........................................................................................................................ 15

2.7 Thurston Works Job Champions Network Program................................................................ 16

2.9.A Thurston Strong Microbusiness Recovery Grants................................................................... 17

2.9.B Minority Enterprise Investment.............................................................................................. 17

2.10.A Non-Profit Organization Grants .............................................................................................. 18

2.10.C Economic Impact Grants to Support Youth............................................................................. 18

2.11 Tourism, Recreation and Entertainment Recovery................................................................. 19

2.12.A Thurston Agriculture Market Grants....................................................................................... 19

3.11 Shelter and Other Basic Needs................................................................................................ 20
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GENERAL OVERVIEW

Executive Summary 

On March 11, 2020, Thurston County, Washington reported its first case of COVID-19. Since that time, all 

sectors of the county – government, public health, private industry, non-profit organizations and 

countless individuals – have come together to support and protect county citizens through the perils of 

the pandemic.

As of July 31, 2021, there were 11,887 cases of COVID-19 in Thurston County. Of those, 736 had been 

hospitalized and 102 had lost their lives. The numbers continue to rise. In addition to the impact on 

individuals, the impact on our economy was severe, and many businesses have a long way to go to 

recover. 

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners is considering options for the use of the American 

Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) awards. The county will receive 

$56,433,212 in Recovery Funds in 2021 and 2022. During 2021 – 2026, those funds will be used to 

promote public health, aid in economic recovery, restore access to justice and provide support for those 

hardest hit by the effects of COVID-19.

We have only just begun to plan how the Recovery Fund will be used in Thurston County. The August 31, 

2021 report includes the few decisions made to date and a brief discussion on programs being 

contemplated. Over the next eight months the county will refine the plan for funding allocation and 

tracking the effectiveness of the programs that are funded.

As of today, Commissioners have allocated Recovery Fund money to our community partners, Thurston 

Strong and United Way, to provide grants and assistance to small businesses and individuals. Some 

funding will be held in reserve to provide public heath services if other funding is not available. They 

have made a commitment to the judicial system to provide resources to clear the court backlogs caused 

by COVID-19. Other programs and projects under consideration include broadband, access to affordable 

housing, repair of small local water and sewer systems, expanding access to government, and creating a 

safer environment at the county corrections facility. The county will also use a portion of the funds to 

restore lost revenue.

The Recovery Fund is only one of the resources we are using to respond to the pandemic. Other local, 

federal and state funding is being used for public health and social services: vaccines, testing, contact 

tracing, isolation and quarantine, emergency rental assistance and housing strategies, energy assistance, 

and support for local public health. 

Overall, from all funding sources, the county expects to spend more than $100 million in response to the 

pandemic. To put that in context, the county’s normal general fund annual budget is a little over $115 

million.

The main outcome of these efforts is enabling citizens and organization in our community to recover 

from the pandemic. We also strive to use this funding to create a lasting positive impact in our 

community. Specific outcome goals and targets will be established when the Board of County 

Commissioners approves funding for a broad spectrum of programs.
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The county plans to engage the community and collect feedback regarding the plan through a citizen 

survey and public comment at county meetings.

One of the greatest challenges of the pandemic has been coordination. It has been difficult to plan the 

best use of these funds when we don’t know what the state or neighbour jurisdictions are investing in. 

This is also our greatest opportunity – by coming together and sharing information we will ensure there 

are no gaps in meeting the needs of all the citizens of Thurston County.

Uses of Funds

As of July 31, 2021, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners has made initial allocations to 

Thurston Strong and United Way for small business and individual assistance. They are considering 

additional proposals. Unless otherwise noted, the following proposed areas of funding are not 

commitments. Commissioners reserve the right to make changes to programs, projects and funding 

allocations at any time given unmet needs, new information and community comments.

 Funding for items with this symbol has been approved by the Board of County Commissioners. 

Although Commissioners have approved funds for certain projects no contracts have been signed nor 

obligations made as of July 31, 2021.

1. Public Health

1.1  Vaccine Incentives: As of July 31, 2021, 49.6% of the Thurston County population was fully 

vaccinated. With a goal of at least 70% fully vaccinated, the county and its partners are seeking ways to 

encourage vaccination. One strategy is to offer gift cards and goods from local businesses to people 

receiving their first vaccine. This strategy has an additional benefit of supporting the local economy. The 

Board of County Commissioners has approved $100,000 for vaccine incentives.

1.4.A PPE for Residential Care Facilities: The State of Washington recently delegated responsibility to 

counties to provide personal protective equipment for long term care and other residential facilities. Use 

of PPE in these facilities is essential to reduce the spread of the virus.

1.4.B  Installing a Body Scanner in the County Jail: To mitigate the introduction of contraband into 

the Thurston County Corrections Facility, jail staff perform searches such as pat searches and strip 

searches. Both involve close contact between jail staff and inmates which increases the potential of 

spreading COVID-19 between individuals. The purchase of a body scanner will allow for social distancing 

and enhance searching for contraband. The body scanner has the same technology of airport scanners. 

A body scanner eliminates dignity and privacy concerns that strip searches can cause and has the added 

benefit of saving staff time. The Board of County Commissioners has allocated $275,000 for the purchase 

and installation of the body scanner.

1.7.A Installing Video Court Equipment in Jail Housing Units: The Thurston County Corrections Facility 

has experienced five COVID-19 outbreaks to date. During response to an outbreak, movement of 

inmates is curtailed, and pre-trial inmates are not transported to courts or allowed to congregate in areas 

equipped for video court. Each time this happens it exacerbates an already substantial court backlog 

caused by the response to COVID-19. This infrastructure project would install video court equipment in 
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housing pods at the county jail, enabling video court appearances during COVID outbreaks and assisting 

in the clearance of the court backlog.

1.7.B District Court Security Cameras: In order to open the Thurston County District Court and 

maintain physical distancing to keep employees safe, the District Court Probation Unit was moved to a 

space in the courthouse that was previously unused. The area does not have normal security such as 

metal detectors or security guards. Security cameras will be installed in the area now occupied by the 

Probation Unit to provide a minimum level of security to staff and participants.

1.7.C Thurston County Website: COVID-19 has been devastating to people and to the economy. It has 

also put a strain on the government's digital infrastructure. Thurston County website traffic has doubled 

between 2019 and 2020 as residents turn to online systems more than ever. Today, Thurston County 

employees are directing residents online, but the residents’ ability to find information remains severely 

limited by the website’s search capability and outdated content. The two separate platforms (html and 

SharePoint) prohibit the ability for users to search for content because the search doesn’t work across 

both platforms. Additionally, much of the current website is neither mobile capable nor ADA compliant, 

both crucial for effectiveness. It is essential that the county website be functional for citizens to avoid 

unnecessary trips to government facilities to conduct business and risk either becoming infected or 

transmitting COVID-19.

1.12.A Emergency Management Services Staff: Currently there is a shortage of Emergency Medical 

Services (EMS) transport capability in Thurston County to transport patients to the hospital Emergency 

Departments. This is a direct result of the surge in COVID-19 cases in our county. There are situations 

where patients are waiting over an hour for a transport unit to arrive at their location. This extended 

wait for transport units impacts EMS response since a Basic Life Support crew is always dispatched to 

treat the patient and, under state law, must remain on scene until the transport unit arrives and the 

patient is transferred to their care. EMS call volume is part of the driving force. In 2020, there were 

33,201 EMS 911 calls for service. Currently in 2021, the EMS 911 calls for service are projected to exceed 

36,000. Medic One will employ EMTs as Extra County Help at Medic One to staff the transport units.

1.12.B Reserve for Public Health: Use of these funds will depend on unfunded needs for pandemic 

response. At this time most Public Health costs are being covered by grants from other provisions of the 

ARPA, FEMA and additional funding from federal agencies and Washington State. If at any time during 

the pandemic the other awards are inadequate or exhausted, Recovery Fund money will be used to fill 

the gap. It will be impossible to say the exact use of the money before it is needed. 

2. Negative Economic Impacts

2.1  Food, Nutrition and Basic Needs Programs: According to the report Feeding America: The 

Impact of the Coronavirus on Local Food Insecurity in 2020 and 2021 (March 2021), COVID-19 “ended 

years of declining rates of food insecurity.” Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to sufficient 

food because of limited financial resources. Local data on the Feeding America website projects food 

insecurity in Thurston County to be 11.9% in 2021, up from 10.9% in 2019 and slightly higher than the 

projected 2021 Washington state average of 11.4%.
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The Board of County Commissioners has authorized $149,358 through the United Way for Senior 

Nutrition and Support Programs through community partners Senior Services to Seniors in Need and 

Senior Services Meals on Wheels to provide support for senior nutrition and other basic needs for 

seniors.

The Board has also authorized $476,150 through the United Way to community partners the Thurston 

County Food Bank, Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF) Community Services, and Catholic 

Community Services to provide support for congregant feeding programs, county-wide food bank 

operations, staff, bulk food purchases, bulk purchases of non-food basic needs such as hygiene and 

sanitation needs for households.

2.2 Enhance the Community Action Council Capacity: For many years the Community Action Council 

(CAC) has served as a subrecipient to the county to distribute emergency rental assistance to our 

community. The CAC also works with the state and other jurisdictions managing programs such as 

affordable housing assistance, weatherization assistance, rapid re-housing, energy assistance, emergency 

food assistance, and food supplements. The CAC is a trusted partner, experienced in receiving and 

distributing federal, state and local funding to households in need. The need in the community and the 

amount available for these programs has sharply increased since the beginning of the pandemic. The 

CAC must increase their capacity to respond to applicants and distribute benefits in an efficient and 

timely manner. The county is currently working with the CAC to explore ways to support the CAC in this 

effort.

2.7  Thurston Works Job Champions Network Program: The pandemic’s impact on the 

workforce creates an opportunity to assist non-profit organizations find essential workers and for 

workers to learn new skills that lead to higher-wage career pathways. The Thurston Works Job 

Champions Network will provide grants to non-profit organizations to hire new workers for one year and 

connect impacted workers to employment in short-staffed non-profits. The Board of County 

Commissioners has approved $1.3 million for this project; partnering jurisdictions will also contribute.

2.9.A  Thurston Strong Microbusiness Recovery Grants: Studies show that as of January 2021, 

approximately 30% of small businesses remained closed. To assist in the relaunch, Business Relaunch 

Grants will be awarded to microbusinesses that were operating pre-pandemic and are now working to 

stay open or restart, with an emphasis including, but not limited to, small independent businesses in 

personal services, cultural attractions/ shuttered venues, restaurants, and retailers. Businesses will use 

grants to offset document losses due to COVID, onboard new or returning employees, or offset the cost 

of adapting to new conditions of the market. The Board of County Commissioners has approved $2.2 

million for grants to businesses. 

2.9.B  Minority Enterprise Investment: The US Chamber of Commerce reports that minorityowned small businesses have been hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic. Minority owned 

businesses are more likely than non-minority owners to report difficulty obtaining loans, express fears 

about permanently closing, and predict declining revenues. To engage and assist minority business 

owners, the Thurston Economic Development Council will hire a Minority Business liaison who will lead 

engagement and staff a newly formed Minority Advisory Committee. The new staff hire will manage the 

Minority Business Grant and conduct the outreach needed to connect minority business owners with the 

grant opportunity. A pool for grants to offset document losses due to COVID, onboard new or returning 

employees, or offset the cost of adapting to new conditions of the market is earmarked specifically for 
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minority owned businesses. The goal is to build a more inclusive economy. The Board of County 

Commissioners has authorized $3.3 million for this effort.

2.10.A  Non-Profit Organization Grants: Although national trends in charitable giving show overall 

growth, not all non-profit organizations saw increased donations in 2020 and the first half of 2021. Small 

non-profits are struggling to continue to meet an overwhelmingly high demand for services while seeing 

a decrease in donations from businesses and foundations. They are faced with the prospect of reducing 

work hours, laying off staff and closing facilities. To assist these small organizations grants will be 

provided to offset documented losses, retain employees and continue providing services. The Board of 

County Commissioners has approved $900,000 for grants to non-profit organizations.

2.10.B  United Way of Thurston County Grant Support: United Way of Thurston County will need 

administrative support to distribute and report on the use of Recovery Funds. The Board of County 

Commissioners has approved $120,000 for the cost of administering programs funded through United 

Way.

2.10.C  Economic Impact Grants to Support Youth: Organizations that provide services to youth and 

their families have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of children they are able to serve. One 

example: at the Boys & Girls Club pre-pandemic services were provided to an average of 626 children a 

day. Average daily attendance dropped to 153. Due to capacity restrictions, they are now able to serve 

200 children. To restore services to youth such as before and after school programming, summer 

programming, youth sports, homework assistance, academic support and volunteer youth mentors, the 

United Way will provide grants to four organizations that provide youth services: the Family Support 

Center, the Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF), the YMCA, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston 

County. The Board of County Commissioners has approved $539,408 for these programs.

2.11  Tourism, Recreation and Entertainment Recovery: A McKinsey & Company study reports 

that in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industries, it could take until 2025 or longer for businesses

to recover to pre-COVID levels of revenue. Repeated restrictions in the past 18 months had the most 

severe impact on this area of the economy, and small businesses make up over half of this sector. A 

targeted investment will be made to raise awareness and stimulate the return to entertainment venues 

through promotion and marketing. The Board of County Commissioners has approved $100,000 for the 

promotion of the tourism and entertainment industry.

2.12.A  Thurston Agriculture Market Grants: The 2017 Census of Agriculture (most recent available) 

shows agriculture is a $176 million industry in Thurston County. A state-wide COVID-19 farm impacts 

study conducted by the University of Washington shows that 65% of farms are dealing with increased 

costs, 41% have experienced revenue declines of more than 10%, and 33% are looking for ways to 

facilitate new distribution channels, as they have experienced a disruption of their distribution systems 

and a closure of direct marketing outlets. Of the small farms with revenue of less than $250,000, 16% 

were denied aid. To support the farms and farmers of our county, Commissioners have approved $1 

million for grants and an additional $100,000 to purchase food that will be provided to those in need and 

expand the market for coop growers.

2.12.B Thurston Agriculture Labor Support: In addition to the impacts stated above, 49% of farms 

report being unable to pay competitive wages, 41% are having difficulty finding workers, and 17% are 

reducing employees or work hours. Recent employment reports show agriculture-related industries 
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employ 1.7% of the labor in Thurston County. Discussions are underway with the farm community to 

seek ways to address these challenges.

2.12.C Decrease the Court Backlog: In response to a series of mandates to curtail exposure and stop 

the spread of COVID-19, Superior, District and Juvenile Courts in Thurston County stopped hearing all but 

the most urgent of court cases. They reopened slowly over time. To the extent possible cases were 

converted to video court procedures. When in-person court appearances were again permitted, the

courts were required to allow for appropriate physical distancing for staff, jurors, attorneys, defendants,

and observers. Given the size and configuration of the county’s courtrooms, this restricted the number 

of cases and trials that could be heard. Today the courts are still not at the same operational level as 

prior to the pandemic. The result is a significant backlog of court cases.

Justice delayed is justice denied. The county must restore timely access to justice.

The county has leased space for two additional courtrooms. In addition to the additional space, time and 

effort of existing and new employees and associated costs will be charged to the Recovery Fund to clear 

backlogged criminal and civil cases.

3. Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities

3.10 Affordable Housing: The 2020 Thurston County point in time homeless count found 995 

individuals experiencing homelessness. This was a 24% increase over 2019 and is the highest count since 

the report was first issued in 2006. 54% of homeless individuals were living in places such as cars, tents, 

parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings or on the street. Due to the need for physical distancing, COVID19 reduced the number of beds available in shelters. Affordable housing units are also scarce in Thurston 

County, as are housing assistance vouchers; the wait time for HUD vouchers can be three or more years. 

Lack of available permanent housing has caused an increase in the number of days participants stay in 

programs: use of shelter, permanent/supported, transitional and rapid re-housing program beds is 

steadily increasing, from 122 days in 2019 to nearly 190 days in the first quarter of 2021. The 

moratorium on evictions may be reducing pressure on the system, but the moratorium is scheduled to 

end. There is increased demand for traditional response to the lack of affordable housing and for nontraditional approaches such as safe parking, scattered site support and tiny homes. 

Homelessness disproportionately affects the BIPOC community. Black residents make up 3% of the 

Thurston County population, however, 13% of the homeless population in Thurston County identify as 

Black. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders are 1% of the county population but 5% of the 

homeless.

The pandemic has affected the homeless as well. Four outbreaks have been reported at homelessness 

service sites.

In 2021, $10.5 million in regular funding and $59.2 million in one-time funding is available from state, 

federal and local sources other than the Recovery Fund. These funds are used for emergency rent 

assistance, utility assistance, shelter beds, and affordable housing units. One-time funding has filled 

some of the gaps but has not eliminated the need.

Thurston County and the cities have formed the Regional Housing Council; participating jurisdictions are 

considering the use of Recovery Fund money to assist in addressing the housing challenge. Some 
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strategies under consideration include the purchase of a local motel, development of sites for car or RV 

parking, homeless tent or tiny home sites, and the construction of new housing units.

3.11  Shelter and Other Basic Needs: United Way will provide support for shelter operations 

including staffing and for hotel room nights for homeless families with children through two partner 

organizations: The Thurston County Food Bank Other Bank and the Family Support Center. The Board of 

County Commissioners has approved $215,084 for these programs.

4. Premium Pay

Currently the Board of County Commissioners is not considering premium pay under the Recovery Fund.

5. Water, Sewer and Broadband Infrastructure

5.3 & 5.11 Boston Harbor and Tamoshan Water and Sewer Systems Repair and Replacement: The

Boston Harbor water and sewer systems provide services to 280 properties, which includes Burfoot Park 

(over 100,000 visitors annually), and Boston Harbor Marina/Public Restroom, and Boston Harbor 

Elementary School (2021 enrollment is 184). They were constructed in the 1980’s and are now 

approaching 40 years in age. The Tamoshan/Beverly Beach water and sewer systems provide services to 

120 properties, were constructed in 1972 and are now approaching 50 years in age. Each system is 

comprised of county owned and operated pipes which are rapidly approaching their end of useful service 

lives. During large storm events, high rates of inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the sewer system more 

than triple the amount of flow into the treatment plant. This large amount of I&I results in changes to 

how the plant is operated during these events, require additional treatment to compensate for the 

increased flows, and can result in permit violations and higher operational costs. The water system is 

made up of a combination of PVC and suspected asbestos cement pipe (AC). As the water distribution 

system continues to age, the number of leaks has been steadily increasing, pipe failures are expected to 

increase, replacement costs are expected to increase, and there becomes an increased risk of potential 

health issues for consumers. The county is considering funding a portion of the projects with Recovery 

Fund money, and the remaining costs would be paid with utility revenue and county tax funds.

5.17 Expanding Broadband to Rural Thurston County: The Nisqually Tribe is proposing to carry out a 

multi-faceted Broadband Initiative to end the digital inequality that exists in areas of Thurston County. 

The project would deliver high speed internet services to residents, businesses and facilities in Thurston 

County that currently are underserved or unserved by internet services. The county would partner with 

the Tribe to achieve this goal. The Tribe worked with Redline Communications to complete a feasibility 

study for the creation of a Fiber Optic Infrastructure - Open Access Network, or OAN. This type of 

network is gaining popularity throughout the country as a model that can increase competition and 

internet access while reducing the cost to the end user.

6. Revenue Replacement

6.1 Lost Revenue Replacement for Government Services: Based on US Treasury directives and using 

the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) calculator, Thurston County will claim $2,481,235 

for the year ended December 31, 2020. The county anticipates additional qualifying claims for lost 

revenue for 2021, 2022 and 2023. County Commissioners will consider the best use of these funds and 

report on the use in future versions of this report.
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Promoting equitable outcomes 

On March 9, 2021, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring 

racism a crisis in the county. The Thurston County Board of Health passed a proclamation highlighting 

the need to address inequalities in health outcomes within our BIPOC population, in alignment with the 

county code on health equity. Both actions mandate specific deliverables, including the creation of a 

Racial Equity Council and development of a work plan and strategies to address internal and external 

gaps with our BIPOC population.

The county has hired a Racial Equity Program Manager to coordinate all efforts within the offices and 

departments internal to the county and with all the cities and towns to have a coordinated positive 

impact to our BIPOC population. Elements within the plan include hiring practices, training and creating a 

forum for the community to propose policy changes to the county legislative authority. We will be 

developing performance indicators to measure the progress of our strategies. The issues and gaps 

affecting our BIPOC population will not be resolved in a year or two, but there is a commitment from the 

county to implement long term sustainable policies.

As noted in program #2.9.B above, the county has approved $3.3 million of the ARPA Recovery Fund to 

provide grants and assistance to minority owned business. The Racial Equity Program Manager will assist 

in setting specific goals, outcomes and targets that will show progress towards promoting racial equity in 

this program and all programs using the Recovery Fund. These will be reported in future versions of this 

report.

Community Engagement 

The Recovery Plan is a presentation of projects currently under consideration for funding. The plan

incorporates requests and input from community leaders, partners, municipalities, county agencies and 

citizens who have expressed their needs over the past 18 months. Information and requests have been 

received at public hearings, board meetings, meetings with partner organizations, letters and e-mail.

The county will conduct a survey, inviting community comment on the plan. Outreach will be conducted 

through partner organizations, program providers, traditional communication methods and social media

to ensure feedback from traditionally underserved populations, including people of color, people with 

low income and populations with limited English proficiency. Results of the survey, along with additional 

outreach strategies, will be reported in the future versions of this report.

Labor Practices 

The county follows federal and state workforce practice laws which regulate public works. The water and 

sewer system projects in Expenditure Category 5 will publish requests for proposals that are competitive, 

advertised to the entire business community and include a statement that prevailing wages are required. 

The county has an apprenticeship program. All public works projects that cost $1 million or more require 

that no less than fifteen percent of the labor hours involved in the project be performed by apprentices.
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Use of Evidence 

The county supports the use of evidence-based interventions and rigorous program evaluations where 

they make sense and are required. We are currently working with partners to identify what is feasible for 

those programs where the Board of County Commissioners has approved funding. The county does not 

intend to apply evidence-based interventions to all programs using Recovery Fund money, as this would 

needlessly divert funding from those who need it most. Future versions of this report will include 

information on use of evidence in funded programs.
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Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category

Category

Amount 

Approved

Under 

Consideration

Cumulative 

Expenditures

Spent Since 

Last Report

1 Expenditure Category: Public 

Health

1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination 

100,000 

1.4.A PPE for Residential Care Facilities 

100,000 

1.4.B Install a Body Scanner in the 

County Jail

 

275,000 

1.7.A Install Video Court Equipment in 

Jail Housing Units

 

1,000,000 

1.7.B District Court Security Camera 

5,000 

1.7.C Thurston County Website 

500,000 

1.12.A Emergency Medical Services Staff 

300,000 

1.12.B Reserve for Public Health 

1,000,000 

2 Expenditure Category: Negative 

Economic Impacts

2.1.A Senior Nutrition and Senior Meals 

on Wheels

 

149,358 

2.1.B Food Programs and Basic Needs 

476,150 

2.2 Enhance Community Action 

Council Capacity

 

500,000 

2.7 Thurston Works Jobs Program 

1,300,000 

2.9.A Thurston Business Relaunch 

2,200,000 

2.9.B Minority Enterprise Investment 

3,300,000 

2.10.A Non-Profit Organization Grants 

900,000 

2.10.B United Way of Thurston County 

Grant Support

 

120,000 

2.10.C Economic Impact Grants to Support

Youth

 

539,408 

2.11 Tourism, Recreation and 

Entertainment Recovery

 

100,000 
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Category

Amount 

Approved

Under 

Consideration

Cumulative 

Expenditures

Spent Since 

Last Report

2.12.A Thurston Agricultural Market 

Grants

 

1,100,000 

2.12.B Thurston Agriculture Labor 

Support

 

1,000,000 

2.12.C Decrease the Court Backlog 

8,500,000 

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted 

Communities

3.1 Affordable Housing 

9,000,000 

3.11 Shelter and Other Basic Needs 

215,084 

5 Water, Sewer and Broadband 

Infrastructure

5.3.A Replace Tamoshan Sewer Main 

1,780,000 

5.3.B Replace Boston Harbor Sewer 

Main

 

2,000,000 

5.11.A Replace Tamoshan Water Main 

1,500,000 

5.11.B Replace Boston Harbor Water 

Main

 

2,000,000 

5.17 Expanding Broadband to Rural 

Thurston County

 

5,000,000 

6 Revenue Replacement

6.1 Lost Revenue Replacement for 

Government Services

 

9,000,000 

7 Administrative and Other

7.1 Administrative Expenses (includes 

County and United Way)

 

695,000 

 

1,500,000 

Not yet allocated 

278,212 

Total as of July 31, 2021 

11,470,000 

 

44,963,212 

 

- 

 

- 
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PROJECT INVENTORIES

Project Inventories are presented for activities that have funding approved by the Board of County 

Commissioners. Additional approved projects will be added in future versions of the report.

The potential use of evidence-based programs is under consideration for programs where noted. 

Performance indicators other than those required by US Treasury are under development for each 

program. Information will be included in the next version of this report.

1.1 Vaccine Incentives

Approved: $100,000

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC 1: Public Health

Purchase gift cards and items from local businesses to give as incentives to individuals who receive 

their first vaccine. This program is in coordination with partners at Thurston Strong (Thurston 

County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council) and Thurston County Public 

Health who provides “pop-up” vaccination sites at community events as well as established sites.

This program is not intended to primarily serve disadvantaged communities.

The test of this program was at the Olympia Brew Fest on August 7, 2021. The incentive was free 

entry to the Brew Fest, valued at $35. PHSS had a pop-up vaccination clinic near the entry to the 

Brew Fest. Seven attendees got vaccinated who may otherwise have not.

Incentives will continue to be provided until funding runs out.

Funding from additional sources may be available for vaccine incentives. If the county enters 

agreements to receive additional funding, that will be included in the next version of this report.

There is no website for this program.

This program has two intended outcomes:

• increase the percent of Thurston County population that is fully vaccinated, and

• increase spending in local small businesses and organizations

Potential performance measures include:

• Number of people receiving the vaccine at the incentive events

• Amount spent at local businesses

The county is currently negotiating the contract with Thurston Strong. Outcomes and performance 

measures will be part of the contract and included in the next version of this report.
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1.4.B Install a Body Scanner in the County Jail

Approved: $275,000

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC1: Public Health

An airport-type body scanner will be installed in the county jail. It will be used for screening inmates 

entering the facility, eliminating the need for pat searches and strip searches. This will reduce the 

times jail staff come in close contact with inmates.

Purchase from a GSA contract has been approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Barring 

supply chain and installation labor challenges, equipment should arrive and be installed before the 

end of the year.

The anticipated outcome is a reduction in the transmission of COVID-19 in the Thurston County 

Corrections Facility.

Although required for items in the 1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings category, there will not be 

an evidence-based program or learning study for this purchase. This is an equipment and 

infrastructure investment that will promote physical distancing. Physical distancing is a proven 

method of decreasing the spread of COVID-19.

There is no website for this project.

The county could report on the number of inmates screened. Additional performance measures 

may be considered.

2.1.A Senior Nutrition and Support Programs

Approved: $149,358

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

Food and other basic needs of seniors will be provided. The county will contract with United Way of 

Thurston County, who will pass funding to Senior Services of South Sound for the Senior Nutrition 

and the Senior Meals on Wheels programs.

Meals on Wheels is an evidence-based program that is an integrated approach to improving healthy 

aging. From the Meals on Wheels America website: Research demonstrates that Meals on Wheels 

helps low-risk older adults age in the community and out of costly nursing homes. Community-based 

Meals on Wheels programs provide client-centered services that address the social determinants of 

health impacting the populations they serve.

A few of the listed results:

o 83% of home-delivered meal recipients report that nutrition services help them eat better

o 61% of home-delivered meals recipients would skip meals if not for nutrition services
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o Receiving Meals on Wheels reduces rate of malnourishment by as much as 28%

o Nearly 30% of Meals on Wheels clients were referred to additional services as part of a 

Medicare Advantage Pilot study

This program is not intended to primarily serve disadvantaged communities. The county will work 

with our partners in ensuring services are provided to disadvantaged populations.

Performance measures, including the dollar amount dedicated to the evidence-based Meals on 

Wheels program, are being discussed with United Way and will be reported in the next version of 

this report. Measures may include the number of meals delivered.

A website will be provided if one exists.

Required performance measures for this expenditure category are for job training and youth 

employment programs, and do not apply to this food program.

2.1.B Food Programs

Approved: $476,150

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

Food and other basic needs will be provided to households in need. The county will contract with 

United Way of Thurston County, who will pass funding to Rochester Opportunities for Families 

(ROOF), Catholic Community Services and the Thurston County Food Bank to provide

o congregant feeding programs

o support for the county-wide food bank operations and staff

o purchase of bulk food

o purchase of non-food basic household needs for hygiene and sanitation

Feeding America published Food Security Evidence Review: Key Drivers and What Works to Improve 

Food Security in August 2020 and revised the report in July 2021. According to the report, “much 

more is known about what drives people into food insecurity than what effectively bring people out 

of it.” Many interventions were reviewed and rated based on their effectiveness in addressing the 

outcome of decreased food insecurity. Food pantries (distribution centers that receive supply from

food banks) are listed as a promising intervention. The University of Wisconsin Population Health 

Institute published in the 2021 County Health Rankings that there is some evidence that healthy 

food initiatives in food pantries which combine hunger relief efforts with nutrition information and 

healthy eating opportunities have the expected beneficial outcomes of increased healthy food 

consumption and increased food security.

The county will work with United Way to determine if the programs that show evidence-based 

results are a component of the of the services offered with this funding, and if so the dollar amount 

dedicated to the evidence-based programs.
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This program is not intended to primarily serve disadvantaged communities. The county will work 

with our partners in ensuring services are provided to disadvantaged populations.

A website will be provided if one exists.

Program performance measures, including outcomes related to the evidence-based programs, will 

be established as part of the contract with United Way and will be reported in the next version of 

this report. They will include, at a minimum, the number of families receiving services.

Required performance measures for this expenditure category are for job training and youth 

employment programs, and do not apply to this food program.

2.7 Thurston Works Job Champions Network

Approved: $1,300,000

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, the Community Foundation of South Puget 

Sound, and the South Puget Sound Community College will team up to create opportunities for up 

to 30 workers placed in non-profit organizations for one year. This pilot program is expected to 

have benefits for both the employee and the non-profit: the employee will gain work experience, 

and the non-profit will have expanded capacity to provide high-demand services. Partners will seek

additional funding to expand and extend the pilot.

This is a pilot program in Thurston County. The county is exploring with the partners the 

opportunity for an evidence-based practice or a program evaluation for this program. Performance 

measures will be selected as appropriate for the final program design. At a minimum, the program 

will report the number of workers placed and the length of time they remain in the placement.

This program is not intended to primarily serve disadvantaged communities. The county will work 

with our partners in ensuring services are provided to disadvantaged populations.

There is not a website for this program.

Required performance measures (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, income, other) may 

apply to this program. As appropriate, the county will report

o Number of workers enrolled in sectoral job training programs

o Number of workers completing sectoral job training programs

o Number of people participating in summer youth employment programs
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2.9.A Thurston Strong Microbusiness Recovery Grant

Approved: $2,200,00

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) will provide $10,000 grants to businesses that 

show proof of economic hardship caused by the pandemic. Grants will be targeted to impacted 

business sectors. Childcare businesses that are not funded through other state or federal programs 

will be eligible for these awards. Awards can also be provided for reopening a business that was 

operating in February 2020.

The county is exploring with the EDC the opportunity for an evidence-based practice or a program 

evaluation for this program. Performance measures will be selected as appropriate for the final 

program design. At a minimum, the program will report the number of grants by sector.

This program is not intended to primarily serve disadvantaged communities. The county will work 

with our partners in ensuring services are provided to disadvantaged populations.

There is not a website for this program.

Required performance measures (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, income, other) may 

apply to this program. As appropriate, the county will report

o Number of workers enrolled in sectoral job training programs

o Number of workers completing sectoral job training programs

o Number of people participating in summer youth employment programs

2.9.B Minority Enterprise Investment

Approved: $3,300,000

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) will provide $10,000 grants to minority owned 

businesses that show proof of economic hardship caused by the pandemic. The EDC will hire a staff 

person to establish a Minority Business Advisory Council, provide support to minority businesses

and connect eligible applicants to the Minority Business Grants. The EDC will work to attract and 

establish a Community Development Financial Institution lender in Thurston County.

The county is exploring with the EDC the opportunity for an evidence-based practice or a program 

evaluation for this program. Performance measures will be selected as appropriate for the final 

program design. At a minimum, the program will report the number of grants and the number of 

workers trained.

The entire $3.3 million of this program is intended to provide grants and support to minority 

business owners and entrepreneurs.
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There is not a website for this program.

Required performance measures (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, income, other) may 

apply to this program. As appropriate, the county will report

o Number of workers enrolled in sectoral job training programs

o Number of workers completing sectoral job training programs

o Number of people participating in summer youth employment programs

2.10.A Non-Profit Organization Grants

Approved: $900,000

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound will provide grants on a sliding scale from $2,500

up to $40,000 to non-profit organizations that show proof of economic hardship caused by the 

pandemic. The Foundation estimates 60 grants will be awarded. Grants will be targeted to nonprofits that are asked to expand their role in the community response to COVID-19 and those not 

funded through other state or federal programs.

The county is exploring with the Community Foundation the opportunity for an evidence-based 

practice or a program evaluation for this program. Performance measures will be selected as 

appropriate for the final program design. At a minimum, the program will report the number of 

grants.

There is not a website for this program.

Required performance measures (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, income, other) may 

apply to this program. As appropriate, the county will report

o Number of workers enrolled in sectoral job training programs

o Number of workers completing sectoral job training programs

o Number of people participating in summer youth employment programs

2.10.C Economic Impact Grants to Support Youth

Approved: $539,408

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities

United Way will provide four grants to organizations that provide services to youth. The types of 

services supported include, but are not limited to, before and after school programming, summer 

programming, youth sports, homework assistance, academic support and volunteer youth mentors

Grants are to address negative economic impacts of the pandemic on each of the organizations. 

Each organization will document declining revenue, financial impacts and/or costs from new 

expenses directly related to COVID-19. Grants may be used for the normal and customary operating 
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costs of these organizations that will not be reimbursed by other programs. Grant awards will be as 

follow: Family Support Center - $24,540; Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF) - $44,000; the 

YMCA - $200,000; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County - $270,868.

The county is exploring with United Way the opportunity for an evidence-based practice or a 

program evaluation for this program. Performance measures will be selected as appropriate for the 

final program design. Measures may include number of children receiving services above a 2020

baseline.

There is not a website for this program.

Required performance measures for this expenditure category are for job training and youth 

employment programs, and do not apply to this negative economic impact grant program.

2.11 Tourism, Recreation and Entertainment Recovery

Approved: $100,000

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

The Thurston County Experience Olympia and Beyond Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) will 

provide marketing, promotional and event opportunities to businesses in the tourism, recreation 

and entertainment industries.

There is not a website for this program.

The county is discussing performance measures with the VCB. Selected measures will be included in 

future versions of this report. Measures may include marketing engagement rates, attendance at 

events, and event revenue.

Required performance measures for this expenditure category are for job training and youth 

employment programs, and do not apply to this tourism and event marketing program.

2.12.A Thurston Agriculture Market Grants

Approved: $1,100,000

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC2: Negative Economic Impacts

Thurston Strong, in partnership with the Washington State University Extension Program, will 

provide grants to of up to $10,000 to farmers to offset the negative impacts of the pandemic. In 

addition, food security boxes will be purchased from local farms and distributed through the 

Southwest Washington Food Hub.

There is not a website for this program.
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The county is discussing performance measures with the WSU Extension. Performance measures 

will be selected as appropriate for the final program design. Required performance measures for 

this expenditure category are for job training and youth employment programs, and do not apply to 

this farm support and food program.

3.11 Shelter and Other Basic Needs

Approved: $215,084

Spent through July 31, 2021: None

EC3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities

The United Way will provide funding to the Thurston County Food Bank Other Bank and the Family 

Support Center for shelter operations, staff and hotel room nights for homeless families with 

children.

The county is exploring with United Way the opportunity for an evidence-based practice or a 

program evaluation for this program. Performance measures will be selected as appropriate for the 

final program design. At a minimum, the program will report the number of grants by sector.

This program is intended to serve disadvantaged communities. The county will work with our 

partners to develop appropriate measures to report data on the impact of providing these services 

to the homeless population.

There is not a website for this program.

Required performance measures (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, income, other) may 

apply to this program. As appropriate, the county will report

o Number of people or households receiving eviction prevention services (including legal 

representation)

o Number of affordable housing units preserved or developed