Affordable Housing Cleanup Grant Program

The Affordable Housing Cleanup Grant Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology through its Toxics Cleanup Program. The program was created to support the intersection of environmental remediation and affordable housing development by providing financial assistance to clean up contaminated properties. The initiative stems from state policy goals to both reduce environmental hazards and increase the availability of affordable housing, particularly for low-income households. The program operates under Washington’s Model Toxics Control Act and is funded through the state’s capital account dedicated to hazardous substance cleanup and redevelopment activities. The primary purpose of the Affordable Housing Cleanup Grants is to fund remedial actions necessary to transform contaminated sites into viable locations for affordable housing development. These grants are designed to reduce the financial burden associated with environmental cleanup, thereby encouraging developers and public or private entities to pursue projects that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive. Funded activities may include environmental site assessments, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, cleanup construction, interim cleanup actions, and associated planning and community engagement efforts. The program supports both technical and investigative work required to bring contaminated properties into compliance with environmental standards suitable for residential use. Funding is structured on a biennial cycle aligned with Washington State’s budgeting process. Applications are typically solicited in January or February of even-numbered years, and awarded funds become available after legislative approval of the state budget in the following odd-numbered year. There is no explicit cap on individual grant awards, and total program funding varies depending on legislative appropriations for each biennium. Matching requirements vary by project type and applicant, with some applicants potentially required to contribute a percentage of project costs depending on their classification and funding structure. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, allowing any person or entity, including public agencies, private developers, nonprofit organizations, and prospective purchasers, to apply for funding. Applicants must intend to remediate contaminated property for the purpose of developing affordable housing and must meet specific project criteria, including compliance with cleanup regulations and long-term land use restrictions. Grant recipients are typically required to ensure that the property is used for affordable housing for a minimum of 30 years, with mechanisms in place to track compliance and maintain affordability standards over time. The application process is conducted through Ecology’s Administration of Grants and Loans system, which requires applicants to create an account and submit detailed project information, including scope of work, eligibility documentation, and supporting materials. Projects are evaluated based on readiness, environmental and community impact, equity considerations, and alignment with program goals. The evaluation process includes scoring criteria that assess environmental benefits, community investment, and the extent to which projects address housing needs and environmental justice concerns. At present, applications are not being accepted for this program. The next funding opportunity is expected in spring or early summer 2027, pending legislative funding for the 2027–2029 biennium. A public comment period for proposed program changes is anticipated in fall 2026. Applicants interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to monitor program updates and prepare project plans in advance. Program inquiries and technical questions can be directed to the designated program contact within the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Ensure project readiness with permits and cleanup plans; demonstrate strong community benefit and environmental impact; align with affordable housing and environmental justice priorities