“Programs like CETCAP are key in helping local governments access complicated tax credits that can be used to continue ambitious climate work. These projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce King County’s energy bills, and make our infrastructure more resilient.” – Terry Sullivan, Buildings and Energy Manager
Project overview
King County is working to meet its climate goals and, with the support from Commerce’s CETCAP program, recently filed for $6.5 million in federal energy tax credit for several clean energy projects. These filings include:
- $4.6 million for a battery storage system at the West Point Treatment Plant, which will also prevent potential pollution into Puget Sound.
- $1.5 million for adding 200 light-duty electric vehicles to its fleet.
- $285,000 for three solar projects at wastewater treatment and solid waste facilities.
- $88,000 for nine charging ports at a King County Metro bus base.
Technical assistance provided
King County received extensive support from Giraffe Financial to file documents properly and ensure the County could secure the maximum possible credit. Lawyers for Good Government provided ongoing legal support to navigate credit eligibility and understand complicated federal rules. This support both saved the County significant money to file the 600+ page return and the burden of identifying and procuring tax and legal expertise.
Outcomes and impact
King County has set ambitious goals to set greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate impacts, and support sustainable, resilient frontline communities. The County actively seeks state and federal funding to help meet these goals. Claiming federal tax credits allows the County to recover some of its project costs, freeing up funds to continue and expand this work in the future.
Solar projects at King County’s Bow Lake and Shoreline transfer stations also received partial grants from Commerce. The grants and the 30% direct pay credits made the projects more cost-effective, saving money on energy bills.
Washington Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program (CETCAP)
In partnership with Lawyers for Good Government and Giraffe Financial, the Washington Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program (CETCAP) team has helped more than 150 organizations statewide secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax credits by providing legal and filing assistance for hundreds of projects.
