This bill establishes a new chapter in Title 43 RCW focused on capital projects for fire protection services, specifically targeting local governments in rural counties. It defines key terms such as "fire protection services capital project" and "local governments," and mandates the Department of Commerce to create a competitive grant program to fund these projects. The program will prioritize applications based on various factors, including fire ratings, funding leverage, and community health and safety impacts. Additionally, the bill stipulates that grant funds can only be awarded if matching funds are secured, with a maximum funding limit of $2,000,000 per jurisdiction per biennium.
Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Commerce to submit an annual report to the office of financial management and the legislature detailing the grant program's activities, including the number of applications received, projects approved, and funds disbursed. The report aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of grant funds, with provisions for repayment if grantees fail to comply with contract terms. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance fire protection services in rural areas through targeted financial support and oversight.