Press Release
Public Works

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kittitas County 2026 Small Capital - Distressed Sales and Use Tax Grants

Kittitas County, WA - 06/30/2026 - The Kittitas County Conference of Governments (COG) is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2026 Small Capital - Distressed Sales & Use Tax Grant Program, designed to support capital projects that support economic development related public infrastructure within Kittitas County.

This year, the committee will award up to a total of $250,000 to eligible applicants for small capital projects that meet the criteria outlined below:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Proposed project must be in accordance with RCW 82.14.370, to support public infrastructure projects in Kittitas County that serve economic development purposes. RCW 82.14.370: Sales and use tax for public facilities in rural counties.
• Deliver an immediate impact by enabling the construction, repair, or enhancement of critical economic development infrastructure.  Planning, feasibility studies, or designs for larger projects may be considered.
• Be one-time capital investments, though phased funding for larger projects with a defined end state will be evaluated.
• Fund capital projects only; operational or service-based requests are ineligible.
• Be sponsored by a Kittitas County municipality, with potential benefits extending to districts or non-profits.
• Matching funds (cash or assets) secured or provided by the applicant, are strongly encouraged.
• Demonstrate a connection to the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan (KCEDSP).
• Projects will be scored by the committee based on the Economic Development Impact, Economic Strategic Plan Alignment, Feasibility, Collaboration, Sustainability, and Matching Funds.
• A completed application must be submitted to Kittitas County Public Works no later than 5pm, PST, July 31st, 2026, to be considered.

Timeline:

• Application Period Opens: June 30, 2026
• Application Period Closes: July 31, 2026
• Application Review: August 1, 2026 - August 14, 2026
• Kittitas County COG Recommendations: On or before August 19, 2026
• Award Decisions/Announcements: On or before September 18, 2026
• Funds will be available once the grant agreement is fully executed

The Small Capital Project Grant Program application is available on the County website: https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/public-works/administration/sales-and-use-tax-funding.aspx and following the review period, successful applicants will be notified no later than September 18, 2026.  Grant Agreements will outline terms and conditions, including reporting requirements and fund disbursement schedules.  Funds must be expended in accordance with RCW 82.14.370 and within the project timeline specified in the application.  

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Candie Leader at 509-962-7699 or candie.leader@co.kittitas.wa.us