Photo Credit: Legislative Support Services
Washington state Representative Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, has introduced HB 1057 to expand local access to federal grant funding. Building on the 2024 MATCH Act (HB 1870), the bill seeks to empower local governments, rural counties, and economic development organizations by funding grant writers to navigate complex federal funding processes.
Previously, Commerce Department grant assistance focused heavily on clean energy projects, as tied to Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding. The CCA, aimed at reducing emissions by 45% by 2030, directed resources to clean energy initiatives, leaving other economic opportunities underserved.
HB 1057, also known as the MATCHED Act, addresses this gap by mandating the Department of Commerce establish a broader grant program by mid-2025. Barnard emphasizes the untapped potential in federal programs, including those stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act, and highlights Washington’s need to improve its federal funding procurement, currently ranking in the bottom 25% nationwide.
“A dedicated fund of state matching dollars could yield a significant return on investment,” Barnard said. She envisions the program reducing the state’s reliance on tax increases while unlocking critical resources for economic development across diverse sectors.
The 2025 legislative session begins Monday, January 13, with HB 1057 poised to foster statewide economic resilience.
