Commerce invests $8.1 million to expand renewable energy use, strengthen Washington’s electric grid

Commerce invests $8.1 million to expand renewable energy use, strengthen Washington’s electric grid

Funded projects include battery storage systems, microgrids for more resilient clean energy OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced 14 grants awarded through the Clean Energy Fund (CEF) that will expand the use of renewable energy in the state’s electrical grid. These projects are for numerous innovative clean energy technologies, including battery energy storage systems and microgrids. “Commerce is dedicated to the state’s climate commitment goals,…

February 2024 Open Funding Opportunities for Electric Vehicles and Charging Equipment

US DOE – Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program Qualifying Applicants – Manufacturers of advanced technology vehicles that achieve defined fuel economy targets, and manufacturers of components or materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance. Qualifying Projects – Must 1) manufacture eligible vehicles or components that are used in eligible vehicles, 2) build new facilities; reequip, modernize, or expand existing facilities; and/or for engineering integration performed in the US…

Report: Washington can lead nation in advancing green hydrogen economy, but must move quickly, strategically

Report: Washington can lead nation in advancing green hydrogen economy, but must move quickly, strategically

Updated data shows roles of green hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels in net-zero economy; recommends most strategic uses and phases for state support OLYMPIA, WA — Green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable fuels made with hydrogen are expected to play an important role in Washington’s economy as it transforms to eliminate fossil fuels from the energy system, according to a recent report from the Washington Department of Commerce. The report finds that…

Grant applications now open for clean energy projects that benefit overburdened communities and vulnerable populations

Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects that will improve health, resiliency, and economic outcomes for communities that face inequitable risk from energy burden, pollution, and other environmental factors. For this round of grant funding, applicants will be required to demonstrate that projects benefit overburdened communities and vulnerable populations by improving environmental health conditions, reducing energy inequities, or strengthening community resiliency.…

Request for Proposals – Facilitating a new grant program for community-based organizations

The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting proposals from firms interested in assisting in the development of a new grant program. The program will aid community-based organizations with participation in local planning and engagement with cities and counties currently updating their comprehensive plans and development regulations under the Growth Management Act. Commerce is seeking a consultant to provide assistance on grant program design, to develop communication tools, and provide…

Tribal Clean Energy Grants: applications now open for tribes and tribes’ contracted service providers for clean energy projects

Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects that promote tribal sovereignty, advance resiliency, and contribute to Washington’s decarbonization goals. These funds are exclusively available for federally recognized tribes and tribes’ contracted service providers. Approximately $16 million dollars will be available to support the following project areas: Tribal clean energy development Clean and resilient energy projects Electric grid modernization and innovation  Innovative…

Washington selected to participate in new HUD, HHS Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator program

Washington selected to participate in new HUD, HHS Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator program

Only eight states and D.C. were selected for the new program OLYMPIA, WA — Washington state was recently selected for technical assistance resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator (Accelerator) program. According to a press release from HHS, the Accelerator will help unlock resources to reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs, such…

Governor appoints Aaron Wheeler to lead Washington State Broadband Office

Governor appoints Aaron Wheeler to lead Washington State Broadband Office

Wheeler has nearly 20 years’ experience working with Tribes and underserved communities OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Aaron Wheeler to serve as director of the Washington State Broadband Office within the Department of Commerce. Wheeler is an information technology professional with 18 years of experience working with the Suquamish Tribe’s government. “Rural internet access is a priority in Washington, and Aaron’s experience will help everyone get connected no…

Listening sessions for new pilot grant for Community-Based Organizations

Listening sessions for new pilot grant for Community-Based Organizations

The Washington State Department of Commerce is hosting three public listening sessions this month to help communities provide us with direct feedback on a new grant program intended to foster greater participation in local policy decision-making. We need input from local community-based organizations representing overburdened communities and vulnerable populations to design a pilot grant program that helps with community engagement. Please share this notice with community-based organizations in your network…

Apply now for behavioral health closure prevention funds

$7.5 million is available to prevent existing behavioral health facilities from closing their doors. The Behavioral Health Facilities (BHF) Closure Prevention Program is now accepting applications for capital projects to preserve behavioral health facilities through critical repairs or upgrades necessary to keep the facility in use. This funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Funding requests cannot exceed $7.5 million. Eligible facilities Existing behavioral…