The Rural County Capital Fund (“RCCF”) is used by Benton County to support new capital infrastructure projects in the community that specifically contribute to job growth and economic diversification. The RCCF is funded by a Washington State Sales Tax rebate at the rate of 0.09 percent (RCW 82.14.370), and is not a new or additional tax. The funds are used either by Benton County or disbursed to local government partners in the community for qualified economic development projects that meet statutory requirements as outlined by the Washington State Legislature.
Depending on economic conditions, the RCCF reserve accumulates at about $300,000 per month, which is allocated among the five cities, two ports, and the County via the formula adopted by Commissioners 2016 (see link to Resolution below).
As of December 31, 2025, each entity’s dedicated portion is as follows:
- Accumulated Funds: Total funds accumulated since January 2016
- Appropriated Funds: Total funds approved, by Resolution, to be distributed to recipient upon receipt of invoice
- Non-Appropriated Funds: Total funds accumulated - total funds allocated
- Funds Disbursed: Total funds distributed to each entity, per agreement with Benton County
- Available Balance: Accumulated funds - Distributed funds
- January Allocation
- February Allocation
- March Allocation
- April Allocation
- May Allocation
- June Allocation
- July Allocation
- August Allocation
- September Allocation
- October Allocation
- November Allocation
- December Allocation
Background & History
The Legislature adopted legislation in 1997 (RCW 82.14.370) providing certain counties like Benton County the authority to impose the sales and use tax rebate for the purposes of financing “public facilities serving economic development purposes in rural counties, and finance personnel in economic development offices.”
Soon thereafter, Benton County adopted Ordinance 332 in 1998 first establishing the program and fund that would evolve into the RCCF of today. Since 1998, the RCCF has developed in three distinct phases:
Phase 1: 1998-2002
During the early years, the County had a disbursement policy whereby cities and ports received funds for economic development and capital projects. The following eleven projects were funded for a total of $2.1 million:
| Agency | Project | Date | Funds Allocated |
| Port of Benton | Dale Ave Extension | 01/28/2000 | $150,000 |
| Port of Benton | Dale Ave Extension | 06/10/2002 | $457,995 |
| Port of Kennewick | Water/Well Acquisition | 03/01/2001 | $126,995 |
| City of West Richland | Water/Well Acquisition | 04/30/2001 | $126,995 |
| City of West Richland | Expansion of Municipal Water Supply System | 12/01/2001 | $189,929 |
| City of West Richland & City of Kennewick | Continuation of Water/Well Acquisition | 10/14/2002 | $189,929 |
| City of Kennewick | Okanogan Pl Extension | 06/06/2000 | $126,995 |
| City of Kennewick | Okanogan Pl Extension/Realign Quinault Ave | 08/29/2002 | $126,995 |
| City of Kennewick | Okanogan Pl Extension/Realign Quinault Ave | 10/02/2002 | $189,929 |
| City of Prosser | East Prosser Industrial Park (Water/Sewer) | 06/16/2001 | $126,995 |
| City of Prosser | North Prosser Business Park (Water Main) | 10/15/2001 | $189,929 |
| City of Richland | Kennedy Rd Realignment/Interchange Loops | 01/16/2001 | $126,995 |
Phase 2: 2002-2016
In January 2002, the County and Cities of Kennewick, Prosser, Richland, and West Richland agreed to use the RCCF to repay a portion of the bonded debt that financed the expansion of the Benton County Jail and District Court facilities. All RCCF funds during this time were dedicated to servicing this debt.
Phase 3: 2016 Onward
In 2016 it was determined that sufficient funds had been reserved to retire the Jail debt. The County and cities terminated their debt participation agreement, therefore allowing for the remaining RCCF balance to accumulate and to be put toward other economic development projects in accordance with state law.
Project Map
If you're unable to view the embedded project map (below), please open the following link in a new browser window: Benton County Rural County Capital Fund Project Map
