During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing opioid settlements in Washington state, highlighting the collaborative efforts between local governments and the state to address the opioid crisis. The state has initiated legal action against various pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, resulting in settlements that provide financial support to local governments.

Under a statewide memorandum of agreement, local governments with populations over 10,000, including Benton County, Franklin County, Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland, are eligible to receive a share of the settlement funds. So far, approximately $2.4 million has been collected, with Benton County receiving about 1.48% and Franklin County 0.34% of the total funds. The settlements are primarily structured as 17-year installments, with some payments made as lump sums.

The funding is earmarked for initiatives aimed at mitigating the opioid crisis, including expanding access to treatment, prevention programs, and supportive services. Benton County has decided to allocate its funds towards the operations of a recovery center, with Kennewick and Richland expressing similar intentions. An interlocal agreement has already been established with Kennewick, while Richland's agreement is pending council approval.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among local governments to effectively utilize the settlement funds in combating the opioid epidemic and supporting affected communities. Further discussions are anticipated regarding the allocation of funds by Pasco, which has not yet been detailed.