Rights-of-Way Safety Initiative
During the 2022 legislative session, Gov. Inslee submitted a proposal to the Legislature to deliver housing and services to individuals and families living in certain state-owned rights of way. The Legislature modified this proposal before being passed within the supplemental operating budget (page 106, Section 132).
Memorandums of Understanding
The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol, through Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with cities, counties, and/or non-profits, has been tasked with establishing the targeted grant program to transition persons residing on state-owned rights of way to safer housing opportunities, with an emphasis on permanent housing solutions.
Under the 2022 supplemental operating budget, Commerce must post these MOUs to our website and provide updated MOUs on a 60-day cycle.
Funding Allocated by County and Fund Source
Note: Snohomish County decided not to submit a proposal, so Commerce reallocated the funds to other counties.
| County | ROW Proviso | Rapid Capital | Home Security | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King | $16,620,344 | $19,000,000 | $13,594,206 | $49,214,550 |
| Spokane | $8,607,817 | $6,500,000 | $10,322,000 | $25,429,817 |
| Pierce | $9,715,588 | $19,668,070 | $5,517,007 | $34,900,665 |
| Thurston | $5,803,333 | $14,831,930 | $7,168,070 | $27,803,333 |
| Snohomish | $4,000,000 | Reallocated* | $1,945,894 | $5,945,894 |
| Total | $44,747,082 | $60,000,000 | $38,547,177 | $143,294,259 |
Site Activity and Outcomes
| Site | County | Residents | Moved to Housing | Temp/Shelter | Permanent Supportive Housing | Still in Housing | Successful Exits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilly Road | Thurston | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | TBD |
| Pacific Ave | Thurston | 16 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | TBD |
| Hwy 520 | Pierce | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | TBD |
| Olive Way | King | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 10 | TBD |
| Dearborn Street | King | 64 | 57 | 53 | 2 | 57 | TBD |
| TOTALS | 98 | 77 | 73 | 2 | 73 | TBD |
Contact
Penny Thomas, Media Relations Manager
Email: Press@Commerce.wa.gov