Department of Ecology

  Average Annual FTEs Near General Fund State Other Funds Total Funds
  (Dollars in Thousands)
Current Budget 1,892.7 100,135 601,036 701,171
2023-25 Maintenance Level 1,911.1 72,061 643,158 715,219
Difference from 2023-25 Original 18.4 (28,074) 42,122 14,048
% Change from 2023-25 Original 0.97% (28.0%) 7.0% 2.0%

2023 Policy Other Changes

Illegal Drug Hazardous Waste 8.7 0 2,368 2,368
Hazardous Waste & Toxics IT Systems 1.2 0 422 422
Address Toxic Tire Wear Chemical 5.8 0 2,702 2,702
Tribal Participation Grants for CCA 0.80 0 8,220 8,220
Green Hydrogen Projects 2.3 0 2,000 2,000
Solar Energy Projects 1.6 0 996 996
Clean Energy Permitting 19.5 0 6,308 6,308
Comprehensive Planning - Climate 4.1 0 1,154 1,154
Climate Resilience Strategy 0.90 0 997 997
Reduce Nooksack Basin Flooding 1.2 0 4,002 4,002
Addressing Nonpoint Pollution 10.4 0 2,256 2,256
Padilla Bay Reserve Stewardship 2.3 0 446 446
Contaminated Sites Redevelopment 5.8 0 1,430 1,430
Floodplain Management Grants 0.0 0 800 800
Modernizing TurboPlan System 1.7 0 1,050 1,050
Litter Control and Waste Reduction 0.0 0 1,250 1,250
Washington Compost Emissions Study 0.0 0 2,500 2,500
WQ Grant & Loan Administration 8.6 0 2,136 2,136
Washington Fuel Reporting System 0.80 0 1,796 1,796
Laboratory Accreditation Auditors 5.8 0 1,774 1,774
Wetland Mitigation Bank Oversight 2.3 0 548 548
Cultural Resources for Cleanup 2.3 0 660 660
Municipal Wastewater Permitting 17.3 0 5,002 5,002
Industrial Discharge Permitting 18.4 0 5,130 5,130
Vessel and Oil Transfer Inspectors 2.3 0 789 789
GHG Inventory Development 4.6 1,248 0 1,248
Tug Escort Environmental Assessment 1.2 0 1,106 1,106
River Migration Mapping for Salmon 1.2 354 0 354
Safe and Sustainable Groundwater 2.3 0 721 721
Toxic Tire Wear in Stormwater 8.4 0 5,195 5,195
Nooksack Adjudication 8.1 2,738 0 2,738
Lake Roosevelt Adjudication 4.0 1,536 0 1,536
WQ Fee and Loan Tracking Systems 1.2 0 468 468
Coastal Climate Hazards 10.6 0 3,914 3,914
Implement Climate Commitment Act 6.3 0 3,633 3,633
Assist Overburdened Communities 8.3 0 2,479 2,479
EAGL Modernization 7.2 485 3,364 3,849
HFC Compliance and Equity 1.2 0 296 296
Enterprise Content Management 6.9 300 2,086 2,386
Drought Preparedness and Response 2.3 0 5,500 5,500
Brownfields Response Grants 3.5 0 2,000 2,000
Working/Natural Lands Sequestration 0.0 0 1,604 1,604
Water Science Team Funding Shift 0.0 1,070 0 1,070
2023 Policy Other Changes Total 201.4 7,731 89,102 96,833

2023 Policy Comp Changes

State Employee Benefits 0.0 14 114 128
WFSE General Government 0.0 3,427 24,914 28,341
Rep Employee Health Benefits 0.0 77 555 632
Non-Rep Recruitment/Retention 0.0 33 273 306
Non-Rep General Wage Increase 0.0 442 3,535 3,977
PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase 0.0 40 293 333
Vaccine Booster Incentive 0.0 30 238 268
2023 Policy Comp Changes Total 0.0 4,063 29,922 33,985

2023 Policy Central Services Changes

Shared Tenant M365 to CSM 0.0 (158) (1,079) (1,237)
State Data Center 0.0 (30) (208) (238)
Archives/Records Management 0.0 2 16 18
Audit Services 0.0 3 17 20
Legal Services 0.0 414 1,013 1,427
CTS Central Services 0.0 226 1,565 1,791
DES Central Services 0.0 34 233 267
OFM Central Services 0.0 327 2,254 2,581
GOV Central Services 0.0 76 517 593
2023 Policy Central Services Changes Total 0.0 894 4,328 5,222
Total Policy Changes 201.4 12,688 123,352 136,040
2023-25 Policy Level 2,112.5 84,749 766,510 851,259
Difference from 2021-23 219.8 (15,386) 165,474 150,088
% Change from 2023-25 Original 11.6% (15.4%) 27.5% 21.4%

Policy Changes

Illegal Drug Hazardous Waste

Ecology supports law enforcement agencies by managing dangerous waste found at illegal drug operations. The number of enforcement responses to illegal drug operations has increased significantly over the last five years, and as a result, so too has the amount of dangerous waste temporarily stored at Ecology facilities. Ongoing funding will allow the agency to continue to support law enforcement agencies with the collection of dangerous waste from these sites and meet the requirements for safe storage and disposal of this hazardous material. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Hazardous Waste & Toxics IT Systems

Two of Ecology’s IT systems, used to collect information on hazardous waste generation and toxics in consumer products, need enhancements to meet increased complexities of federal reporting regulations and to ensure compliance with new state laws. Ecology staff are already over-extended in managing the systems’ current functionality, preventing implementation of needed system improvements and the program's ability to offer technical assistance to reporting businesses. Ongoing funding for additional IT staff and contract resources is provided to enhance and maintain these two critical reporting systems. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Address Toxic Tire Wear Chemical

Recently a class of chemicals from tire wear has been identified as being particularly toxic to Coho salmon. Ongoing funding will allow the department to continue to assess safer alternatives of the 6PPD chemical compounds used in tires begun in fiscal year 2023 and evaluate the toxicity of potential alternative materials on Coho and other species. Funding for staffing and contractual support will provide materials science expertise and collection of industry data necessary to evaluate the feasibility of alternatives. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Tribal Participation Grants for CCA

Ongoing funding is provided for grants to Tribal governments to support their review and consultation of clean energy projects and programs, pursuant to the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). (Climate Investment Account - State)

Green Hydrogen Projects

Funding is provided for the department to develop a programmatic environmental impact statement focused on green hydrogen projects to identify potential environmental impacts and mitigation. The work would include a public process and engagement with agencies, industry, Tribes, local governments, ports, and overburdened communities. (Climate Commitment Account - State)

Solar Energy Projects

Funding is provided for the department to develop a programmatic environmental impact statement for potential environmental impacts and mitigation for solar energy projects in the Columbia Plateau to follow up on the Washington State University least-conflict solar siting project. The work would include a public process and engagement with agencies, industry, Tribes, local governments, and overburdened communities. (Climate Commitment Account - State)

Clean Energy Permitting

The number of clean energy projects under development in Washington is increasing. Funding is provided for additional staff to improve permitting and environmental review of these projects. Support for the clean energy transition would include guiding applicants through permit processes, expediting agency review of permits, leading and supporting environmental reviews, and providing technical expertise and customer support for clean energy projects and planning. (Climate Commitment Account - State)

Comprehensive Planning - Climate

Funding is provided to support Governor request legislation to update the Growth Management Act to include considerations for climate change and resiliency. (Climate Commitment Account - State)

Climate Resilience Strategy

Agency request legislation directs the Department of Ecology to update the statewide strategy for climate resilience in coordination with other state agencies. Ecology is required to consult with tribes and overburdened communities in the update and to use guidance from the Office of Equity and the Environmental Justice Council. Funding authority is provided for implementation of the bill, if adopted by the Legislature. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)

Reduce Nooksack Basin Flooding

In November 2021, flooding in the Nooksack River basin damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, and cut cities and the Lummi Nation Reservation off from essential services for days, and the damage threatened the long-term viability of some small communities. Additionally, Nooksack River floodwaters flowed north into Canada and contributed to widespread flood damage in British Columbia. Ongoing funding will build on international transborder collaboration focused on reducing flood-related damage on both sides of the border. This funding will increase local and state capacity to plan and implement projects to reduce flood hazards while increasing coordination among state, provincial, local and Tribal governments. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)

Addressing Nonpoint Pollution

Nonpoint sources of water pollution, such as runoff from streets, farms, forestlands and other sources, continue to pollute Washington’s waters and now represent the largest remaining challenge to achieving clean water in our state. Having focused nonpoint specialists in the field to identify pollution sources and work with partners to get fixes on the ground is key to addressing this challenge. Additional nonpoint water quality positions will work with landowners and local governments to promote voluntary compliance, implement best management practices, and support the implementation of water quality cleanup plans. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Padilla Bay Reserve Stewardship

The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a federally designated coastal reserve, is a regional leader in coastal ecosystem research and monitoring. It supports invasive species management and control and provides technical assistance and training for hundreds of coastal zone management practitioners across the state. It also provides educational experiences for visitors and students who come to the reserve. Ecology has made investments into the reserve with one-time grant funding. Ongoing staff resources are provided to maintain a safe and accessible facility; assist in controlling invasive species; support environmental and climate education programs and research; and maintain the state facility, grounds, and aquariums in a safe and operable manner. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Contaminated Sites Redevelopment

Toxic chemicals may become mobilized during site remediation or other construction activities and threaten state and national goals for fishable waters, salmon recovery, and healthy watersheds. Additional permitting staff will address toxics in stormwater runoff from industrial and contaminated sites, and help get contaminated properties back into use sooner for affordable housing, economic redevelopment, public access, and overall economic vitality in the community. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Floodplain Management Grants

The Flood Control Assistance Account program funds flood risk reduction activities, including grants and technical assistance to local governments that are used to develop comprehensive flood control management plans and/or invest in small-scale flood damage reduction projects. This item utilizes an existing fund balance in the account, increasing floodplain management grants for the 2023-25 and 2025-27 biennia to help reduce a 12-year backlog of local government floodplain management plan updates. (Flood Control Assistance Account - State)

Modernizing TurboPlan System

TurboPlan, Ecology’s IT reporting system that allows businesses and organizations to submit required pollution prevention plans, is outdated and needs to be updated to remain functional and provide the data reporting and analysis capabilities needed to continue reducing hazardous waste in Washington. Additional IT staff and contract resources will redevelop and modernize this critical system. (Hazardous Waste Assistance Account - State)

Litter Control and Waste Reduction

Waste generation is increasing, and recycling rates have stagnated in Washington. Litter pollution has grown considerably, in part due to the impacts of the pandemic. To increase public engagement, inspire behavior change, and address the state’s growing litter problem, funding is provided to develop a waste reduction campaign and continue to invest in litter control efforts on state highways. (Waste Reduct/Recycle/Litter Control - State)

Washington Compost Emissions Study

Current air emissions standards for compost facilities are based on outdated data from a study conducted outside of Washington. Ecology and local air agencies need current and accurate data to set emissions standards from compost facilities to better permit projects that meet the greenhouse gas emission reductions directed by the Legislature. One-time funding will be used to conduct a statewide compost emissions study. This study will be used to enhance permitting decisions, improve compost facility operations and odor control, and support state goals to reduce organic waste in landfills to help reduce climate change impacts. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

WQ Grant & Loan Administration

Ecology’s Water Quality Combined Funding Program currently manages over $1.3 billion in grants and loans for water quality infrastructure and nonpoint pollution projects across the state. While funding for these investments has grown steadily over the years, administrative staffing levels have not kept pace. Additional staff will ensure that these critical funding opportunities reach the communities that need them and are effectively managed to completion. (Water Pollution Control Revol Admin - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Washington Fuel Reporting System

To implement the Clean Fuel Standard passed in 2021, Ecology is developing the Washington Fuel Reporting System, an online market platform that will allow regulated entities to register for the program, report fuel transactions, calculate the credits and deficits generated by these transactions, and trade credits to achieve compliance. However, the new market platform that will go live in January 2023 is based on aging technology that needs to be replaced. Funding is provided over the next three years for the agency to collaborate with the state of California in co-developing a new market platform. This approach will allow both states to leverage the same or similar services for their own programs at lower costs, while helping to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. (Clean Fuels Program Account - State)

Laboratory Accreditation Auditors

Audits of drinking water laboratories accredited by the department are required every three years to meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards and to ensure municipal drinking water is safe for consumption. A 2021 audit by the Environmental Protection Agency found a number of laboratories have not been audited in accordance with this requirement. One-time bridge funding is provided to address this backlog and reestablish a standard audit cycle for environmental laboratories. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Wetland Mitigation Bank Oversight

Wetland mitigation banks provide construction project developers the option of purchasing credits to offset unavoidable project impacts. These credits have the potential to increase ecological benefits and make application and permitting processes more efficient. The number of banks in operation across Washington have doubled in the past decade and Ecology is unable to keep up with this growing workload. Additional staff will increase wetland mitigation bank monitoring and oversight to ensure we are meeting mitigation goals. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Cultural Resources for Cleanup

There are currently thousands of contaminated sites across Washington that are either in the process of being cleaned up or still awaiting clean up. Ground distributing activities or building/structure demolition associated with cleanup can negatively impact cultural resources at these sites. Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program needs staff with expertise in cultural resources management to complete required reviews and consultations with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and affected Tribes on projects receiving state funding. This item funds staff needed to help Ecology meet government-to-government obligations related to cultural resources protection and allow cleanup projects to move forward in a timely and efficient manner. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Municipal Wastewater Permitting

Ecology issues water quality discharge permits for municipal wastewater treatment plants. A majority of those permits have expired because the agency does not have sufficient resources to process renewals. Substitute Senate Bill 5585, passed in 2022, removed the cap on municipal wastewater permit fees and included a requirement to reduce the backlog of expired permits. This item provides the appropriation authority to spend revenues from increased permit fees and to hire additional staff to reduce the backlog of expired permits. (Water Quality Permit Account - State)

Industrial Discharge Permitting

The number and complexity of water quality permits for commercial and industrial facilities have grown more quickly than permit staffing levels. This additional funding and staff will reduce the backlog of expired wastewater permits by processing additional applications for industrial stormwater and construction stormwater permits. It also will support permit-related legislative requests, state performance reporting, and accessible and user-friendly guidance and publications. (Water Quality Permit Account - State)

Vessel and Oil Transfer Inspectors

Washington waterways see over 5,000 cargo and passenger vessel transits and more than 10 billion gallons of oil move through over 12,000 oil transfers annually. These activities create a risk for oil spills that are toxic and pose a significant risk to Washington’s environment, economy, public health, and historical and cultural resources. Ecology regulates and inspects vessels and oil transfers to prevent spills, but is only able to inspect a small percentage of high-risk vessels and oil transfers per year. Funding to add inspection staff will allow Ecology to conduct approximately 150 additional vessel inspections and 300 more oil transfer inspections per year, which will reduce the risk of spills and related negative impacts. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Oil Spill Prevention Account - State)

GHG Inventory Development

The greenhouse gas inventory is the official measure for assessing progress toward meeting Washington’s statutory emission limits. These limits are both aggressive and in line with current climate science, yet our ability to track progress toward meeting them and to predict the outcomes of policy decisions has not kept pace. Additional resources are provided to improve the timeliness and accuracy of the data reported in the GHG inventory and provide staffing to help predict and then track the GHG impact of current and proposed climate policies. (General Fund - State)

Tug Escort Environmental Assessment

Passed in 2019, ESHB 1578 directs the Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC), in consultation with Ecology, to adopt rules for tug escorts by December 31, 2025. These rules will govern the use of tug escorts for specific vessel types and sizes in the Rosario Strait and Puget Sound. To support this rulemaking, funding is provided to conduct an environmental assessment of the impacts of tug escort requirements as required under the State Environmental Policy Act. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

River Migration Mapping for Salmon

In support of the Governor’s 2021 salmon strategy update, Ecology received one-time funding in the 2022 supplemental budget to identify a preferred channel migration zone mapping methodology. New ongoing funding will allow Ecology to validate the preferred methodology, develop a statewide mapping plan, and provide technical assistance to local and Tribal governments to use the new standard. (General Fund - State)

Safe and Sustainable Groundwater

The Sumas-Blaine Aquifer is a transboundary aquifer jointly managed by British Columbia and Washington state and is the principal drinking water source for 40,000-45,000 area residents. More than 20% of the private drinking water wells in this aquifer exceed safe drinking water standards for nitrate. Excess nitrates in drinking water has negative human health impacts. The network of privately owned residential water wells Ecology has used to monitor the aquifer’s health are becoming increasingly harder and unreliable to access. Funding is provided for the agency to install new wells to improve the agency’s ability to monitor the aquifer. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Toxic Tire Wear in Stormwater

Untreated stormwater containing high concentrations of 6PPD chemical compounds from tire wear pose a significant risk to the health of Coho salmon. Ongoing funding is provided to continue research on the ability of stormwater systems to filter out this toxic tire dust and to develop best management practices to treat contaminated stormwater. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Nooksack Adjudication

Uncertainties about Tribal senior water rights, unquantified water right claims, and the validity of water uses pose ongoing impediments to effective water management in the Nooksack watershed. Adjudication of surface and groundwater water rights in the region will determine who has a legal right to use water, including the federal government and Indian Tribes (Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe), and the priority and quantity of each right. (General Fund - State)

Lake Roosevelt Adjudication

Uncertainties about Tribal senior water rights, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation water rights, and the validity of other water uses pose ongoing impediments to effective water management in the area of Lake Roosevelt and its middle tributaries (Water Resource Inventory Area 58). Adjudication of water rights in the region will provide urgently needed resolution of water rights disputes. Funding is provided to conduct a general adjudication of surface and groundwater rights that will determine who has a legal right to use water and the priority and quantity of each right. (General Fund - State)

WQ Fee and Loan Tracking Systems

Ecology’s Water Quality Program manages two fee databases and a loan tracking system that require ongoing maintenance and integration with the agency’s invoicing system, eHub. Current information technology staffing and resources are insufficient to properly maintain the three systems, causing a risk that invoicing is inaccurate or delayed. This funding for additional IT staff and contract support will allow the agency to properly maintain these critical systems. (Water Pollution Control Revol Admin - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, Wastewater Treatmt Plant Oper Cert - State)

Coastal Climate Hazards

Washington’s coastal populations are at risk for severe and costly damage to life and property from hazards such as flooding, erosion, and sea level rise made worse by climate change. In 2021, the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council developed a set of coastal resilience recommendations focused on building the organizational infrastructure for sustained partnership between state agencies and coastal communities to help them address these risks. Funding and staff capacity are provided to implement several of the council’s recommendations, including (1) expanding data analysis to assess vulnerabilities within coastal communities, (2) delivering coordinated state-level technical assistance, and (3) increasing local capacity to design and implement effective on-the-ground projects. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)

Implement Climate Commitment Act

As Ecology has progressed in creating the cap-and invest-program created under the Climate Commitment Act, the agency has identified additional needs in several key areas of the program. This item provides funding for additional staff and contract resources to continue successful implementation of the program in the future. (Climate Investment Account - State)

Assist Overburdened Communities

The Climate Commitment Act requires Ecology to reduce criteria air pollutant emissions in overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution. Ecology has now identified the necessary steps to develop and implement emission control strategies and methods needed to reduce these air pollutants. The agency will conduct rulemaking to set stricter standards for technology used to limit or mitigate the air pollution released from stationary emission sources found in overburdened communities and will help fulfill the requirement of the Climate Commitment Act and improve air quality. (Climate Investment Account - State)

EAGL Modernization

About 70% of Ecology’s budget is passed through to local governments, Tribes and communities for environmental and public health projects, most of which is managed with Ecology’s Administration of Grants and Loans (EAGL) system. EAGL resides in the Ecology Data Center, which does not comply with RCW 43.105.375 or the Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Policy 184. This funding allows Ecology to move EAGL to a cloud environment and bring the agency into compliance with state law and policy. (General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)

HFC Compliance and Equity

Legislation passed in 2019 and 2021 established and expanded Washington-specific restrictions on the sale of products containing certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are a category of potent greenhouse gases commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration, in producing insulating foams, and as propellants. Since 2019, the compliance workload associated with these restrictions has outpaced current staffing capacity. Funding is provided to add a new HFC compliance inspector to meet the current workload demand and to conduct a one-time study to identify and quantify the extent of equity challenges created by bans on HFC-related products. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State)

Enterprise Content Management

The agency maintains an enormous mix of paper records, physical images, and digital files without a centralized structure or methodology, which degrades the agency’s ability to quickly retrieve information, process administrative actions and provide timely services to the public. In 2021, Ecology completed a legislatively funded Enterprise Content Management (ECM) feasibility study, which determined that Ecology could implement a comprehensive ECM solution using Microsoft 365 (M365). This ongoing funding supports an incremental approach to implementing ECM at Ecology. In the 2023-25 biennium, the agency will build the foundation for a new data governance model, and integrate M365 tools and learning to develop efficient storage and retrieval of information and to build core expertise in data management and governance. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, General Fund - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, other funds)

Drought Preparedness and Response

As the climate continues to change, drought becomes more frequent and temperature extremes become more common, Washington communities face serious threats to infrastructure and water supply. While Ecology monitors water supply levels and has authority to declare a drought emergency, it does not have ongoing funding dedicated to preparing for or responding to drought. As part of agency request legislation, ongoing funding is provided for drought planning and preparation to improve resiliency to the effects of climate change, as well as a fund source for Ecology to use to take immediate actions when a drought emergency is declared. (State Drought Preparedness Response - State, Emergency Drought Response Account - State)

Brownfields Response Grants

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $1 million per year for the next five years in additional federal funding is provided for a State and Tribal Response Program (STRP) grant award. The STRP grant program supports clean up of local brownfield sites which reduces environmental harm and promotes community economic opportunities. (General Fund - Federal)

Working/Natural Lands Sequestration

Increasing carbon storage in natural and working lands through enhanced sequestration practices is an untapped tool for drawing down atmospheric CO2. Funding is provided for Ecology and the Department of Natural Resources to develop a multi-year strategy for natural and working lands to ensure carbon sequestration efforts help meet state greenhouse gas limits. (Natural Climate Solutions Account - State)

Water Science Team Funding Shift

State law requires enough water is kept in streams and rivers to protect and preserve instream resources. To protect instream water, the department sets instream flow levels, adopts them into rule, and treats them as water rights. The Department of Fish and Wildlife receives funding through an interagency agreement with the Department of Ecology to support the instream flow setting process. Funding for this work is transferred from Ecology to WDFW which increases governmental efficiency by eliminating the need for an interagency agreement. (General Fund - State)

State Employee Benefits

Health insurance funding is provided for state employees who are not represented by a union, who are covered by a bargaining agreement that is not subject to financial feasibility determination, or who are not part of the coalition of unions for health benefits. The insurance funding rate is $1,160 per employee per month for fiscal year 2024 and $1,233 per employee per month for fiscal year 2025. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

WFSE General Government

Funding is provided for a general wage increase of 4%, effective July 1, 2023; a general wage increase of 3%, effective July 1, 2024; targeted job classification base range increases; recognition and retention lump sum payments for employees employed on or before July 1, 2022 and continuously employed through July 1, 2023; shift premium increase for eligible shifts from $1 to $2.50 per eligible hour; a COVID-19 booster incentive of $1,000; supplemental shift premium increases for nurse classifications; 5% premium pay for employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location; and an increase of $250 to the annual lump sum payment for Labor and Industries risk classes 7200/7201. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, General Fund - Federal, General Fund - State, other funds)

Rep Employee Health Benefits

This provides health insurance funding as part of the master agreements for employees who bargain for health benefits as part of a coalition of unions. The insurance funding rate is $1,160 per employee per month for fiscal year 2024 and $1,233 per employee per month for fiscal year 2025. (General Fund - State, General Fund - Federal, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

Non-Rep Recruitment/Retention

Funding is provided for recognition and retention lump sum payments for employees employed on or before July 1, 2022 and continuously employed through July 1, 2023. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, General Fund - State, other funds)

Non-Rep General Wage Increase

Funding is provided for wage increases for state employees who are not represented by a union or who are covered by a bargaining agreement that is not subject to financial feasibility determination. It is sufficient for a general wage increase of 4 percent, effective July 1, 2023 and a general wage increase of 3 percent, effective July 1, 2024. This item includes both general government and higher education workers. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)

PERS & TRS Plan 1 Benefit Increase

For eligible Public Employees' and Teachers' Retirement Systems Plan 1 members, this item provides an increase of 3%, up to a maximum of $110 per month. (General Fund - Federal, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, General Fund - State, other funds)

Vaccine Booster Incentive

Funding is provided for a $1,000 lump sum COVID-19 booster incentive for non-represented employees. This funding does not cover institutions of higher education. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

Shared Tenant M365 to CSM

Agency budgets are reduced by the base budget amounts provided to Consolidated Technology Services for Microsoft 365 licenses so the cost can be added to the central service model allocation in CTS central services (Step 92J). (Worker/Community Right to Know Acct - State, Biosolids Permit Account - State, Flood Control Assistance Account - State, other funds)

State Data Center

Adjustments are made for each agency's share of costs related to the State Data Center. (Flood Control Assistance Account - State, Biosolids Permit Account - State, Worker/Community Right to Know Acct - State, other funds)

Archives/Records Management

Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated share of charges for archives and records management services provided by the Secretary of State's Office. (General Fund - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

Audit Services

Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of audits performed by the State Auditor's Office. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

Legal Services

Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of legal services provided by the Attorney General's Office. Because legal services expenditures are based on consumption, funding provided in the central service model is not all inclusive. The methodology to estimate consumption has been updated from a three-year average to a two-year average and allows for analysis to incorporate unique agency circumstances. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)

CTS Central Services

Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from Consolidated Technology Services (CTS) for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of Cybersecurity, state network, enterprise services, small agency IT services, security gateways, and geospatial imaging services. This amount now includes the total amount for agencies that use the Microsoft 365 shared tenant. See Chapter 11 of the 2023-25 OFM Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (General Fund - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

DES Central Services

Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) for campus rent, parking, contracts, and security; capital project surcharges; financing cost recovery; public and historic facilities; real estate services; risk management services; personnel service rates; the Perry Street and Capitol Campus child care centers; small agency services; and the department's enterprise applications. See Chapter 11 of the 2023-25 OFM Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (General Fund - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)

OFM Central Services

Adjustments are made to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges for existing statewide applications, the One Washington program, and other central services provided by the Office of Financial Management. See Chapter 11 of the 2023-25 OFM Budget Instructions for allocation methodologies. (Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, other funds)

GOV Central Services

A new central service is created to reflect each agency's anticipated share of charges from the Office of the Governor for statewide policy staff and the Office of Equity. (Water Quality Permit Account - State, General Fund - State, Model Toxics Control Operating Acct - State, other funds)