The Washington County Gaming Commission distributed funds to the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and 76 local charitable organizations.

Counties with brick-and-mortar casinos receive a portion of revenues from table gaming and video lottery terminals through local impact grants, which fund programs and services that benefit communities surrounding the casinos. Local commissions determine how to invest the revenue in each jurisdiction, and permitted uses include infrastructure upgrades, facilities, public safety, sanitation, economic and community development, and enhancing quality education services and opportunities in public schools.

For fiscal 2024, which ended on June 30, Washington County’s total gaming fund amounted to $2,414,286 —representing a decrease of $128,744 compared to the previous year’s revenues.

State law mandates equal funding for the Washington County Fire and Rescue Association and local charities. In January, the Washington County Fire and Rescue Association received $524,216. Today, an additional $682,927 brings the yearly total for Fire and Rescue to $1,207,142.

In May, the Washington County Gaming Commission received 88 applications from 76 charitable organizations requesting $2,990,535. After hosting a gaming hearing in June and a one-day workshop in July, the Commission partially or fully funded 61 of the 88 requests. Of these applications, 10 received full funding, and 51 received partial funding. The 2024 gaming funds allocated $1,207,143 to 53 of the 76 charitable organizations that applied.

The Community Free Clinic received the most significant award of $170,000. The Salvation Army received $149,914, and R.E.A.C.H of Washington County and Senior Living Alternatives, Inc. each received $75,000.

Visit the Washington County website for a complete list of awardees.