Smith bill emphasizing cost-effectiveness in the Housing Trust Fund signed into law
A measure that would require the Department of Commerce to consider total project cost for Washington State Housing Trust Fund applications was signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire on March 30.
Rep. Norma Smith, who prime-sponsored House Bill 2640, says it adds some accountability and transparency to the way Housing Trust Fund dollars are appropriated.
“This is a significant first step in managing the cost of public housing, and fulfilling our duty to use tax dollars wisely and efficiently,” said Smith, R-Clinton. “It adds the criteria of cost-effectiveness, takes into consideration cost-per-unit, and creates a mechanism in which both of those factors will be used in the future when we are investing the public's money for housing projects. It is important taxpayers know their dollars are being used wisely and appropriately.”
Smith was unable to attend the bill signing due to her participation in the first meeting of the governor-appointed Ocean Acidification Task Force meeting in Seattle.
