Assistance, Coordination and SYNC

In 2017, the Legislature passed ESHB 1677 (PDF), creating an interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team known as SYNC.

SYNC must “identify, implement, and report on improvements” to Washington’s infrastructure system. SYNC also aims to better support communities served by aging utilities systems nearing the end of their useful life.

To achieve its goals, SYNC agencies are synchronizing their efforts to create a more efficient system for infrastructure financing. Program areas include roads, bridges, broadband, domestic water, energy, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste/recycling/organics.

SYNC agencies include:

• Public Works Board,
• Department of Commerce,
• Department of Ecology,
• Department of Health,
• Department of Transportation, and
• Transportation Improvement Board.

SYNC’s Data Dashboard

SYNC agencies developed the project dashboard (arcgis.com). The dashboard visualizes infrastructure projects funded by SYNC partner agencies. Since Fiscal Year 2022, SYNC partners have funded close to 1.8K projects, totaling more than $3.2B in infrastructure investment! House Bill 1064 (PDF) passed during the 2025 legislative session which allows SYNC to continue its work to improve infrastructure in Washington. HB 1064 removes SYNC’s sunset date of June 30, 2025 and requires a report to the Legislature every two years beginning November 1, 2026.

Technical assistance from Tech Teams

Does your community have an infrastructure improvement project that needs to happen, but you aren’t sure how to proceed? Tech team meetings are a resource to get you headed in the right direction. A tech team meeting is a get-together between community representatives and program staff. The goal is to collaborate and solve infrastructure problems. Depending on your community’s current needs, various opportunities will be available. Tech Teams assist with:

• Understanding and prioritizing your overall infrastructure needs
• Developing specific infrastructure projects
• Developing funding strategies for specific infrastructure projects

To complete the online request for a tech team, please visit the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council technical assistance webpage.

Training events

As an awardee, you must engage with affected tribes in consultation under the requirements of Executive Order 21-02 Archaeological and Cultural Resources, or under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (when federal permits or funds are included). There are also requirements for tribal engagement around projects funded through Climate Commitment Act funds (ESHB 1753 (PDF)) that will compliment any previously existing requirement for tribal consultation. When this new consultation structure is ready there will be an update provided.

If at any point in the project review process, you need support with the tribal aspect, please reach out to the Department of Commerce’s Office of Tribal Relations by email at Tribal.Relations@Commerce.wa.gov.  

Resources