WA HB1734

Establishes a statewide capital facility grant program to expand and improve facilities used for outdoor learning, building on the existing "outdoor school for all" program created in 2022

Creates a competitive grant process for projects that acquire, construct, or rehabilitate outdoor education facilities to serve more public school students, with priority for projects increasing student capacity or removing barriers for underserved communities

Eligible projects include renovations to increase bed capacity, weatherization/energy efficiency improvements to extend operating seasons, and upgrades to bathrooms and kitchen facilities

Federally recognized tribes, local governments, state agencies, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations may apply for grants, with the first prioritized project list due as part of the 2027-2029 biennial capital budget request

Grant contracts must require grantees to maintain improvements for a specified period, use facilities for intended purposes, and repay funds with interest if found out of compliance