Defense Community Compatibility Account
Washington state’s 2019 legislative session created the Defense Community Compatibility Account with Substitute Senate Bill 5748 to support necessary infrastructure and support compatible land use and infrastructure near Washington military installations. The purpose of the program is to provide the first statewide framework for evaluating and prioritizing projects that enhance the economy, environment and quality of life opportunities for local communities affected by the presence of military installations.
Key Topics
Growth Management
Governor’s Smart Communities Awards Program
GMA Laws and Rules
GMA Periodic Update
Growth Management Grants
Growth Management Topics
Guidebooks and Resources
Civilian-Military Compatibility
Defense Community Compatibility
Regional Planners’ Forums
Short Course on Local Planning
Submitting Materials to the State for Review
Program development
The Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) funnels numerous civilian-military land use projects through a central evaluation process to present the Legislature with a list of vetted, eligible projects ready to address compatibility issues across the state. With the development of this program, Washington joins 19 other states that provide funding opportunities to promote compatibility between the military and their host communities.
DCCA promotes land use compatibility between communities and military installations by providing a consistent and programmatic framework for soliciting and evaluating civilian-military compatibility projects. Project solicitation and evaluations help identify and prioritize needs from numerous communities that are affected by military activities. Additionally, it facilitates coordination between military installation commanders and local government planners by providing a funding mechanism for the implementation of compatible land use solutions.
2022 Project Solicitation
A new round of project applications begins Aug. 1 – Sept. 15, 2022. Applications will be reviewed and scored to develop a ranked list to include in the 2022 Legislative Report. Application materials are currently being developed and will be posted here in the coming weeks.
Project Eligibility
A wide variety of compatibility-related projects are eligible for the program, including the following list of project activities per SSB 5748.
- Projects to jointly assist in the recovery or protection of endangered species dependent on military installation property for habitat.
- Projects or programs to increase the availability of housing affordable to enlisted military personnel and nonmilitary residents in the local community.
- Projects to retrofit existing uses to increase their compatibility with existing or future military operations.
- Projects that aid communities to replace jobs lost in the event of a reduction of the military presence.
- Projects that improve or enhance aspects of the local economy, environment, or quality of life impacted by the presence of military activities.
Applicant Eligibility
DCCA Program History
The year 2019 marked the program’s initial application window, formally soliciting applications for projects that promote compatible development near military installations in Washington. The list of projects was submitted to the Legislature in the 2019 DCCA Legislative Report in January, 2020.
The 2019/2020 Prioritized Project List:
A total of seven projects were received during the application window. Projects were evaluated using a scoring matrix and prioritization process in accordance with the requirements and recommendations outlined in the authorizing statute. Funding determinations are to be made by the Legislature.
| Rank | Applicant | Project type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Sound Military Communities Partnership | Housing |
| 2 | South Sound Military Communities Partnership | Land acquisition |
| 3 | Lakewood Water District | Water Quality/Public Health |
| 4 | South Sound Military Communities Partnership | Transportation |
| 5 | City of Lakewood | Transportation |
| 6 | Center for Natural Land Management | Species recovery |
| 7 | Center for Natural Land Management | Conservation/Stewardship |
Program Outreach
Commerce recognizes the importance of community and stakeholder input for effective project solicitation and implementation. Ongoing outreach will be conducted with a variety of representatives from federal agencies, U.S. department of defense installations in Washington, federally recognized Indian tribes in the state, city, county and state governments, associations, advocacy and nonprofit organizations, elected officials, neighborhood-based organizations, public development authorities, and other interested parties. Opportunity for engagement will be announced throughout the program outreach schedule.
Program documents
Contact
Genevieve Dial
Program Manager, DCCA
Senior Planner
Gen.Dial@commerce.wa.gov
509-675-5508