USDA Releases $15 Million Washington Wildfire Grants After Judge Blocked DEI, Immigration Terms
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 8
USDA Releases $15 Million Washington Wildfire Grants After Judge Blocked DEI, Immigration Terms
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 8
Summary
$15 million in USDA wildfire grants for Washington began moving after the agency and the state signed agreements in July, ending a delay tied to disputed federal grant conditions.
$9.3 million is slated for the Spokane Conservation District and $5.5 million for the Spokane Valley Fire Department to reduce wildfire risk where blazes have threatened urban and residential areas.
The holdup stemmed from new USDA terms requiring states to align with Trump administration priorities, including eliminating DEI programs and supporting immigration enforcement.
A federal judge blocked those conditions in June after 20 Democratic-led states, including Washington, sued; the state had refused to sign because the policy conflicted with its laws.
The grants come from the $1 billion Community Wildfire Defense program, which awards about $200 million annually, though USDA and Washington still have not said when the money will be released.