Commerce awards $2.1 million in grants to help 27 communities plan for climate change

The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $2.1 million in growth management planning grants to help King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, and multiple cities within each county, plan for local impacts of climate change.

Proposals from the 27 communities awarded funding, reveal a wide range of creative approaches and work. For example, Bainbridge Island will use preliminary GIS mapping to assess their vulnerability to flooding associated with sea levels rising applying the USGS Puget Sound Central Storm Modeling System. Renton will develop and adopt a vehicle electrification action plan to support electric vehicle policy and charging infrastructure investments. Deeming it a huge step at the local level, Eatonville will work on a community engagement process for incorporating climate change into their comprehensive planning.

“We are excited to see the variety of work by these counties and cities to proactively assess and address local impacts of climate change on residents, businesses and the environment,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Embracing intentional climate-related planning for growth today strengthens communities for the future.”

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