Equipment grants
Washington has seen a dramatic shift in oil transportation recently, both in the types of oil and in the locations where large quantities of oil are transported. These changes affect the risks associated with oil transportation. Many communities don't have response resources for spills of oil or hazardous materials. To help solve this problem, we provide equipment and training grants to emergency responders. These grants help local communities effectively prepare for and respond to spills.
Funding cycle
- Amount of funding available: This grant is funded through the state’s Model Toxics Control Act Operating Account.
- Grant award limit: There is no grant award limit for this funding program.
- Amount of matching funds required: There are no match requirements. Grant awards will cover 100 percent of eligible costs of the grant offer amount.
Applications are currently being accepted.
Grant applications accepted:
The application period for Equipment Grants is March 4, 2025 through April 29, at 5 p.m.
Funding is available for the following entities:
- Washington counties, cities, and municipalities
- Other state recognized local governments
- Ports
- Public utility districts
- Other special purpose districts (e.g., Clean Air Agencies, Fire Protection)
- Federally recognized Tribal governments
- Washington State agencies
To be considered, the community the agency responds to must have a substantial threat of an oil spill or hazardous materials incident occurring in their jurisdiction. The grant is primarily intended to assist emergency responders in purchasing equipment they would not otherwise be able to purchase.
Applicants that received funding during a previous grant cycle are eligible to apply for this grant cycle.
Ineligible applicants
Private businesses and non-profits will not be considered.
All projects must support implementation of local, regional, or statewide emergency response plans and must demonstrate and sustain long-term benefits to multiple stakeholders across a region or statewide.
Project benefits may include, but are not limited to:
- Reduce response time.
- Improve efficiency in the safe use and deployment of equipment and resources.
- Increase regional response coordination with other response agencies and partners.
- Increase responder safety during oil spill and hazmat incidents.
- Protect human health and safety within the community.
- Maximize benefits seen from existing equipment and resources.
More information about this funding program
Grant recipient selection process
Grant funds are awarded based on need and coordinated to maximize the benefits of existing equipment and resources. We evaluate and assess current available resources and the need for response equipment in specific locations. A workgroup assists with developing the grant program. This group consists of first responders, oil spill response cooperatives, oil and rail industry representatives, and businesses that receive liquid bulk crude oil.
Guidance and application information
- Spills and hazardous materials data for applications
- Information about oil transportation in Washington
Ownership and use of equipment
Grant recipients will own their equipment. In the event of a nearby spill, recipients are not obligated to deploy the equipment. If the equipment is not in use, recipients must allow Ecology or approved responders to access the equipment.
Related links
Contact information
Laura Hayes
Fund Coordinator
laura.hayes@ecy.wa.gov
425-495-2632