Benton, Franklin Counties approve plans for variance application

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The Benton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the variance application that, if approved by state health officials, would allow the county to move into Phase 2 of Governor Jay Inslee's Safe Start Washington Plan.

Tuesday's vote authorizes the County Administrator to submit the plan, put together with the help of the Benton-Franklin Health District and local governments, to the Washington State Secretary of Health.

Franklin County approved its variance application Wednesday morning by a vote of 2 to 1, with Commissioner Clint Didier casting the dissenting vote.

It could take several days for state health officials to review the applications and either approve the plans, request changes, or deny the applications outright.