HB1370 will amend current law and expand the activities eligible for funding through the early learning facilities grant and loan program. Such expansions include:
(a) Facility predesign grants or loans to allow eligible organizations to secure professional services shall be increased from no more than $10,000 to no more than $20,000.
(b) Grants or loans for minor renovations or repairs of existing early learning facilities or for predevelopment activities shall be increased from no more than $100,000 to no more than $200,000.
(c) Major construction and renovation grants or loans and grants or loans for facility purchases to create or expand early learning facilities and administration costs shall be increased from no more than $800,000 to no more than $1,000,000. Amounts shall be subject to change annually.
Additionally, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated from the Fair Start for Kids Account created in RCW 43.216 for this specific purpose, the department shall award start-up grants to eligible organizations as described in RCW 43.31.575 who provide or commit to providing the early childhood education and assistance program or working connections childcare. The bill also states that in order to be eligible, the organization must commit to being an active participant in good standing with the early achievers program as described in RCW. Additional eligibility requirements and definitions are outlined within the bill.
House Floor Amendment:
Increases the grant and loan award limits within the Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program.
Adds program administration and technical assistance as allowable activities eligible for funding through the ELF program.
Renames the ELF accounts the Ruth LeCocq Kagi ELF accounts.