Washington state has sent in its application for $1 billion in rural health care investments.

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced the submission Wednesday for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The state’s proposal, he said, was a bipartisan one and would span five years with $200 million annually.

Ferguson said via a news release that the rural parts of the state feature stunning landscapes, robust agriculture and strong communities.

“In order to sustain this way of life, we must support a strong rural health care system,” he said. “Our bipartisan plan will help modernize and strengthen this crucial resource.”

Of Washington’s 39 counties, 29 counties — which are home to more than 1 million residents — have been deemed rural.

The controversial Rural Health Transformation Program

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