The state’s ongoing investments to protect clean water continue as $109 million in financial assistance heads toward 54 high-priority projects across Washington to protect the health of lakes, rivers, streams, marine waters, and the groundwater we drink.
The Washington Department of Ecology makes the funding available to local governments, tribes, special purpose districts, conservation districts and non-profits. The money comes from a mix of state and federal funds dedicated for water quality improvement and protection.
“Our funding protects clean water that everybody relies on. Nearly 70 percent of Ecology’s budget is passed through to local communities to pay for projects that benefit the environment,” said Heather Bartlett, manager of Ecology’s Water Quality Program.
Most of the money, $96 million, will pay for 26 essential wastewater treatment facility projects. Nine of these projects are in communities that qualify for financial hardship status. They will receive forgivable principal loans (loans that do not need to be paid back), Centennial grants, and loans with interest rates as low as 0.1 percent.
Projects on SJI
On-Site Sewage System – Northwest – San Juan – District 40 – District 02 – $150,000 –
This funding will be used to continue capitalization of a local On-Site Sewage System Repair Financial Assistance Program. The program provides loans to San Juan County residents failing OSS with a priority on those failures, which pose risks to public health or water quality
Stormwater Facility – Northwest – San Juan – District 40 – District 02 – $0 – $773,935
Construction of a waterfront vault containing cartridge filters to clean storm water that drains from theFriday Harbor urban environment. Due to the Town’s age, there is very limited treatment of storm water before it reaches the harbor. The vault is designed to filter 100 percent of the “first flush” of rainwater entering the storm sewer system. Testing demonstrated higher levels of turbidity, surfactants (detergents), and total suspended solids during rain events that follow prolonged dry weather.
