Early learning facilities grant and loan program—Oversight, in consultation with the department of children, youth, and families—Head state agency—Use of funds.
(1) The department, in consultation with the department of children, youth, and families, shall oversee the early learning facilities revolving account and the early learning facilities development account, and is the lead state agency for the early learning facilities grant and loan program.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature that state funds invested in the accounts be matched by private or local government funding whenever feasible. Every effort may be made to maximize funding available for early learning facilities from public schools, community colleges, educational service districts, local governments, and private funders.
(3) Amounts used for program administration by the department may not exceed an average of four percent of the appropriated funds.
(4) The department is encouraged to leverage private and public match funds when feasible and may not require match funds for applicants experiencing financial hardship. The department may not consider the level of project match funds as a competitive criterion when selecting or recommending projects for funding. Private or public match funds may consist of cash, equipment, land, buildings, or like-kind.
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 12: See notes following RCW 43.31.565.