SB 5576 would levy a 4% tax on short-term rentals to fund affordable housing efforts if approved. The bill originally called for a 6% tax but that was changed after short-term rental operators told lawmakers how the tax could impact them.
Drought impacts in the Yakima Basin have far-reaching effects for the rest of the state. The region’s agricultural economy generates $4.5 billion each year, producing 71% of the nation’s hops, 63% of apples, 62% of cherries, and significant portions of other crops like pears, raspberries, blueberries, and asparagus, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program as well as state funds. Grant recipients must provide matching funds equal to 33% of the award.
Staff with the state’s Utilities & Transportation Commission say a Pasco landscaping company transported and disposed of solid waste, including construction materials, without state-required certification in September and October 2024.
The included funding would pay for a new performing arts building on the Pasco campus along with providing funding for the college’s second student housing facility.
French fry producer Lamb Weston is beginning to see its financials turning a corner. But its corporate leaders acknowledge that they don’t anticipate smooth sailing just yet.
The applications will begin this week in Pasco, Prosser, Sunnyside, Grandview, Mabton and Wapato. The state also continues to encourage private landowners in the treatment areas to sign up to have their properties sprayed free of charge.
Pipeline safety staff with the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission are recommending Cascade Natural Gas pay nearly $5.7 million for dozens of alleged safety violations that led to a fire and fatality. An investigation found 66 alleged violations of state and federal pipeline safety laws and regulations.
One construction industry trade group is seeing signs that builders are expecting fewer opportunities in the near term based on recent data on job openings and hirings.
