Chapter 173-167 WAC, Emergency Drought Funding (2025)

Ecology adopted another Emergency Drought Funding Rule Aug. 7, 2025, under chapter 173-167 WAC. This extends grant availability to relieve hardship due to water deficits from the currently declared emergency drought order.

An emergency rule remains in effect for 120 days unless withdrawn earlier. The previous rule expired August 7, leading Ecology to adopt a subsequent emergency drought funding rule to keep the Drought Response Grant open. The rule and grant applications will be open until Dec. 5, 2025.   

The drought emergency order and funding rule apply in Yakima, Kittitas, Benton, Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Okanogan, Chelan, Clallam, Jefferson, and Ferry counties.  

Ecology may extend the emergency rule and funding availability based on evolving drought conditions. If the emergency rule is extended, this webpage and the guidelines will be updated to reflect the extended date to which applications may be submitted. A permanent rule for emergency drought grants is forthcoming and will allow Ecology to remain responsive to drought-related hardships. 

Rulemaking timeline

Timeline

Rule adoption phase (CR-103E)

 

Second emergency rule

Adoption and effective date:
Aug. 7, 2025

 

Rule expiration date:

Dec. 5, 2025

 

Rule adoption documents:

 

First emergency rule

Adoption and effective date:
April 8, 2025

 

Rule expiration date:

Aug. 7, 2025

 

Rule adoption documents:

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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.