Stewardship of Public Funds
In our work to protect air quality, we provide programs and services to residents and businesses in Spokane County. Some of these programs are highlighted below.
How are these programs and services paid for?
We receive state and federal grants, though most of our funding is local. Our fee-based programs provide funding to support those programs, and we receive funding from our local jurisdictions to fund non-fee based programs. RCW 70A.15.1600, sets forth the mechanism to fund local air agencies, referred to as “supplemental income” in the RCW. Each municipality within our jurisdiction is required to pay a portion of the supplemental income. Per the RCW, this can be based on assessed property values within each municipality, the population within each municipality, or an equal combination of the two methods. SRCAA uses the 50-50 formula.
Our Board-approved, fiscal year 2026 budget has a projected revenue of $2.9 million, which comes from:
- Local assessments (38%)
- Fee-based programs (38%)
- Federal and State grants (14%)
- Large facility permit fees (7%)
- Penalties (2%)
- Interest/Miscellaneous Revenue (1%).
Below is information about key agency programs we implement to improve and protect air quality for current and future generations:
Air Quality Monitoring & Reporting
We operate and maintain a network of ambient air quality monitoring stations throughout Spokane County. Hourly data from our monitors, along with meteorological data, enables us to notify the public when air quality is approaching unhealthful levels and to encourage clean air actions to help reduce air pollution. Visit our Current Air Quality page to view our monitoring locations and data.
Asbestos Control during Renovation & Demolition
To protect public health from uncontrolled releases of hazardous asbestos fibers, we work to ensure that asbestos regulations are followed when residential and commercial structures are being renovated or demolished. Learn more
Business Registration & Permitting
We work with local businesses to reduce their air emissions by administering several programs, including:
- Administering the federally-delegated Air Operating Permit Program for large facilities
- Registering (i.e. licensing) over 600 commercial and industrial facilities annually
- Conducting routine, on-site compliance inspections at these facilities
- Issuing air quality permits (Notices of Construction and Portable Source Permits) for new or modified emission sources, including businesses and equipment
- Providing technical assistance to businesses to improve compliance
Community Outreach, Educational Resources
Improving and maintaining healthy air requires all of us working together. Our agency values its community partnerships, which help us reach more people with our clean air messages.
We participate in as many community events as possible. We welcome guest speaking opportunities at local organizations and service clubs.
Our agency believes that one of our most important audiences is our youth. We offer a host of grade-appropriate resources and programs for preschool through college classes, for traditional and non-traditional educators, and for a variety of youth-based and recreational organizations.
Visit our Learning Center for details and contact information.
Complaint Response & Enforcement
Our agency inspectors respond to complaints from citizens about air pollution issues that are affecting them where they work or live. We also receive many referrals from other government agencies, such as cities, county, fire districts, etc. Common air quality issues are related to excessive smoke from outdoor burning and wood heating, dust from roads and parking lots, and odors from a variety of operations. Inquiries or filing formal complaints may be done by phone or online. Once complaints are logged into our database, they are forwarded to the appropriate inspector for follow-up action.