Board of Natural Resources Approves Transfer of DNR Lands to City of Westport to Address Housing Needs

Transfer will Provide Over Two Acres for Future Affordable Housing

The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has approved a direct transfer of 2.36 acres of state trust land to the City of Westport for future affordable housing. The property, within Westport city limits, is zoned for mixed-use, residential, and commercial uses and has been identified on DNR's Urban Transition Lands list. The Board unanimously approved the transfer at its September 1^st meeting.

"Solving our state's housing crisis requires inventive solutions, and I am proud DNR can play a role - and I am eager to find other similar properties throughout the state," said Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove. "This is an opportunity for Westport to uplift its community while DNR achieves its goal of providing funding for education and important public services."

The property was appraised for $235,000, and the proceeds from the transfer will be deposited into DNR's Land Bank account to purchase future trust lands. After the transfer is complete, the City of Westport has identified the property as a site for a future affordable or workforce housing project.

DNR generates more than $250 million annually by managing trust lands, which must generate revenue to support schools, colleges, and critical local services across Washington state. That revenue comes from sustainable forest management, agricultural, clean energy, and commercial real estate leases.

DNR can directly transfer state trust lands to Tribes and local governments, and counties, cities, school districts, or port districts can purchase these lands from the state at fair market value. DNR uses the proceeds from transfers to fund the purchase of replacement properties elsewhere in the state to support schools and critical local services.

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