Background: Defense Community Compatibility Account.
In 2019, the Legislature created the Defense Community Compatibility Account. Subject to the availability of funding, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) may award grants to local governments for projects to address incompatible development connected to Washington state military installations. Eligible projects may include:
- Acquisition of real property or real property interests to eliminate an existing incompatible use;
- 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 to enable local communities heavily dependent on a nearby military installation to diversify the local economy, so as to reduce the economic dependence on the military base;
- Projects that aid communities to replace jobs lost in the event of a reduction of the military presence; and
- Projects that improve or enhance aspects of the local economy, environment, or quality of life impacted by the presence of military activities.
Commerce must produce a report with a prioritized list of projects to address incompatible developments near military installations by January 1, 2020, and every two years thereafter. Projects must be prioritized with consideration for:
- recommendations of the Department of Defense and federally initiated land use processes; and
- whether a branch of the United States Armed Forces has identified the project as increasing the viability of military installations.