PORT ANGELES — Clallam County and Port Angeles are joining the national $1.2 billion Kroger opioid settlement for state and local governments. Washington State will get about $48 million, with half going to the state and half to participating local governments.
If all eligible cities and counties join, Port Angeles will receive around $109,000. The city plans to use this money to support Operation Shielding Hope, a program run by the police and fire departments to tackle the opioid crisis.
Clallam County has also signed up, though the exact amount it will get is still unclear. In a recent meeting, Commissioner Randy Johnson estimated the county will receive around $240,000, typically 1 percent of such settlements. The county has used previous settlement funds to supported the Harm Reduction Health Center and the county jail’s opioid treatment program. They’re considering using future funds to help people recovering from opioid addiction get back into the workforce.
Payments will be made over 11 years, starting next March. Washington’s cities and counties must join the settlement by August 12.