The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is soliciting bids for a financial institution or group of institutions to design and administer a revolving loan program for acquisition of lands critical to improving water quality in key watersheds with documented impairments. This loan program will accelerate land acquisition and reduce conservation costs by using a third-party financial institution to finance land acquisition projects using funding from Ecology. Ecology is soliciting proposals for a financial institution partner (FIP) that will: Engage stakeholders to identify current barriers and gaps in land acquisition funding programs, and opportunities for improved outcomes. Design a sustainable financing mechanism that accelerates land acquisition with clear water quality benefits using funding from Ecology and input from stakeholders. Implement a loan program that streamlines acquisition and reduces the financial burden on local partners acquiring land for water quality protection. Provide loans that cover up to 100% of costs associated with purchase of land. Ecology will award one contract to a financial institution, or group of institutions, that submits proposals as a result of this RFP. The awarded contractor will manage and run a land acquisition loan program on behalf of Jefferson County Public Health (Jefferson County), Columbia Land Trust, and Ecology.
