303: Calculating SCAP Eligibility per Project Type

SCAP Eligibility determines the amount of square footage of a construction project that may be eligible for state funding assistance.

There are two types of eligibility:

• New construction (or “unhoused”) eligibility, and
• Modernization eligibility, which may also be used toward replacing an existing facility (called “new construction in lieu of modernization” or simply "new-in-lieu"). 

Eligibility is first calculated for the entire school district and then may be used in projects depending on various factors, such as the type of eligibility, type of project, how much eligibility is available, whether the eligibility can be used toward the grade span, whether an existing facility is “age-eligible” (in the case of modernization or replacement project. See Section "Modernization" below for more information), and other factors.  

Be sure to stay in touch with your Regional Coordinator for assistance in determining SCAP Eligibility. 

School District Assigned Grade Spans 

Assigning grade spans for a district is a local determination (WAC 392-343-050, Item 4). SCAP eligibility can only be used toward the grade span for which it was calculated. For example, if a school district is designated as a K-8 primary district and 9-12 secondary, then eligibility calculated for K-8 cannot be used for 9-12 construction projects and vice versa. For K–12 school districts, the eligibility may be used for all K–12 school buildings that are SCAP recognized.

New Construction (“Unhoused”) 

New construction is the construction of a new school facility or an addition to an existing school that creates instructional space that did not previously exist. These projects provide additional space to accommodate a growing student population or expand educational programs. A new construction project is eligible for state funding when the district demonstrates a need for additional instructional space based on its number of unhoused students. 

Calculating New Construction SCAP Eligibility 

New construction eligibility factors a school district’s total SCAP-recognized inventory (square footage of recognized buildings) of the assigned grade span against the total space allocations for that grade span. 

Modernization/New-in-Lieu

Modernization is the renovation of an existing school facility to extend its useful life and update building systems. Modernization projects may address structural components, HVAC and electrical systems, building and fire codes, health and safety requirements, and accessibility improvements.

To be eligible for SCAP assistance, a modernization project must represent a significant scope of work, with the estimated cost of major structural changes equal to at least 40% of the building’s replacement value (factored against the Construction Cost Allocation), as required by WAC 392-347-035.

A modernization project is eligible for state funding when there is a demonstrated need to modernize an existing facility that is at least 30 years old and has not been modernized with SCAP assistance within the previous 30 years.

New-in-Lieu (Replacement Option) 

New construction in lieu of modernization (New-in-lieu) allows a district to use modernization eligibility toward the construction of a replacement facility when modernizing an existing facility is not financially or structurally feasible. The replacement facility must generally meet the same eligibility requirements as a modernization project. If the replacement facility provides more square footage than the existing facility, the additional square footage is considered new construction and must meet new construction eligibility requirements or be funded by local dollars.

“Improved space” consists of all eligibility captured in SCAP-funded projects in the past 30 years and any locally funded new square footage that is recognized by SCAP in the last 30 years (see "Recognized versus Non-Recognized Space").

Other Factors for Modernization Projects 

The 40 Percent Rule 

State funding is not available for projects that do not exceed 40 percent of the Construction Cost Allocation (See WAC 392-347-035). When calculating the cost-per-sf for the purpose of the 40 percent rule, the entire footprint of the existing facilities must be considered. 

Age-Eligible Space 

Age-eligible space is existing facility space that is eligible to receive modernization or "new-in-lieu" funding based on its age and funding history. Generally, existing space must be at least 30 years old and cannot have received SCAP funding assistance or other recognized improvements within the previous 30 years. Modernization and new-in-lieu eligibility can only be used toward existing square footage that is age-eligible. 

In addition, if an existing facility receives SCAP funding assistance for Modernization, the entire building, or the portion of the building that was age-eligible at the time of the project, is no longer age-eligible for SCAP funding for 30 years.