Department of Commerce Distributing $87 Million in Rental, Business Assistance

Governor Inslee announced another $87 million in assistance to tenants, landlords, and businesses in Washington State Thursday.

Inslee said the Department of Commerce is distributing the money through its Disaster Response Account. Half of the money, or $43.5 million, will go to rental assistance.

"Obviously we're talking about people who have been severely affected by the pandemic and can't pay right now. Obviously anyone who can pay, we certainly encourage them to do so." explained Inslee, "This funding will continue our Eviction Rental Assistance program until new federal assistance arrives."

The other $43.5 million will fund business assistance grants for expenses like rent, mortgages, utilities, technical assistance and more.