Olympia – A pair of bills aimed at improving statewide resiliency in the face of natural disasters and for mobile home residents facing site closure have been signed by the Governor. Both bills are part of efforts by Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Snohomish, to improve personal and statewide resiliency.
“Resiliency is not just about how we respond to a crisis. It is very much about being proactive,” said Donaghy. “We need to be thinking ahead to provide our communities and neighbors with the resources to be resilient.”
House Bill 1728 creates a statewide resilience program that directs the Washington Military Department to develop methods of tracking statewide resilience efforts, coordinate funds from federal and state entities and enhance interagency collaboration and fill in resiliency program gaps where they exist. This will ensure that communities across the state are better prepared for all hazards, both natural and human caused.
“Understanding what hazards exist empowers us to create resilient communities and save countless lives,” said Donaghy. “For every dollar spent on disaster preparation and resilience, we save six to eight dollars in the cost of recovery.”
To support the resiliency of manufactured home residents, Donaghy also sponsored House Bill 1771, which adjusts the Manufactured Home Relocation Assistance fund. This gives tenants more time to move their homes and remain eligible for assistance, while removing provisions that prohibit tenants from receiving further support when forced to relocate.
“This is about resiliency, but it is also about fairness and protecting people from homelessness,” continued Donaghy. “Manufactured home residents who are forced to move because of site closure have done nothing wrong, yet they bear the brunt of the financial hardship associated with relocating.”
“This puts them at risk of financial catastrophe and homelessness,” continued Donaghy. “Providing increased access to relocation support means these residents can more resiliently weather a very difficult time while keeping a roof over their head. It is simply the right thing to do.”
Both bills go into effect in July, 90 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.