WA Ecology Department to invest $162M into 72 clean water projects across state
Feb. 26, 2013
OLYMPIA, WA, Feb. 26, 2013 -- The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has selected 72 clean water projects to receive a share of approximately $162 million in loans and grants starting in the state’s next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013.
The funding helps protect clean water, an irreplaceable asset and it provides jobs. State financial managers calculate that 11 jobs in Washington are created for every $1 million spent on construction and design funding. So this proposed round of funding would support approximately 1,782 jobs. Over half of these are likely to be local construction jobs.
Ecology Director Maia Bellon said: "This funding grows new jobs while it protects the health of our waters and Puget Sound. And, it directly ties with our state’s priority to create and sustain job growth."
The projects include upgrades and expansion of sewer plants and collection systems; septic system improvements; water reuse facilities; water protection and cleanup projects; stormwater projects; stream-side restoration projects; clean water education projects, and more.
Funding for Ecology’s integrated loan and grant program comes from a combination of dedicated state and federal monies. Of the $162 million total, $135 million comes from the Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (Revolving Fund). The Revolving Fund is a low interest rate loan program funded with a combination federal grant, state match, and principal and interest repayments. Another $25 million comes from the state Centennial Clean Water Program, which is a grant program funded through state bonds. The federal grant-funded Clean Water Section 319 Nonpoint Source Fund provides another $1.6 million of the proposed funding.
The state’s nationally-recognized integrated funding process combines three funding programs into one-stop shopping for communities that need financial assistance to pay for clean water projects.
The 72 finalists represent the top-priority clean water projects. Ecology received 88 project proposals. Four of the proposals were ineligible for funding, and 13 did not score high enough in the rating and ranking system to qualify for funding.
Highlights of the proposed funding include:
