WAC 173-166 Emergency drought relief
Ecology is beginning a rulemaking to amend chapter 173-166 WAC Emergency Drought Relief.
Through rulemaking, Ecology plans to integrate information related to how Ecology manages its emergency drought funding program into the permanent rule governing emergency drought relief. This rulemaking plans to streamline administration of emergency drought funding and to add clarity and definition to processes and terms related to emergency drought relief.
This update also intends to integrate equity considerations into funding distribution, including considerations identified under the Healthy Environment for All Act. Additionally, this rulemaking seeks to clarify appeals processes for emergency drought funding decisions, as well as the petition process for drought declaration.
As droughts become more common with a changing climate, an updated drought rule will provide increased efficiency and transparency around emergency drought relief.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
Nov. 1, 2023
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
Nov. 1, 2023 – Fall 2024Public input & involvement
Ecology held both in person and virtual listening sessions this fall to discuss the goals and scope of the rulemaking. These sessions will include discussion questions with opportunities to share feedback.
In-person open house listening sessions:
- Twisp: Oct. 15, 2024 @ Methow Valley Community Center 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Yakima: Oct. 16, 2024 @ WA Fruit Community Center 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Tacoma: Oct. 22, 2024 @ Tacoma Community College 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Public Virtual listening sessions:
- Oct. 24, 2024 via Zoom @ 3 p.m.
- Oct. 30, 2024 via Zoom @ 6 p.m.
We'd love to hear from you! Please respond to our survey between Oct. 7, 2024 - Nov. 22, 2024.
Sign up to stay informed on this rulemaking.
Related links
- Statutory Authority: RCW 43.83B
Contact information
Danielle Gallatin
Rulemaking Lead
danielle.gallatin@ecy.wa.gov
425-516-3012
Stay informed
Join our email list
Accessibility
To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.