Washington to fund clean water projects with $82m

The Washington Department of Ecology in the US has said that it will provide $82m in loans and funds to 57 clean water projects.

Projects qualifying for the clean water fund include upgrades and expansions of sewer plants and collection systems, sewage system improvements, water re-use facilities, water cleanup projects, stormwater and groundwater projects, stream-side protection and restoration projects and public clean water education projects.

The cities of Granger, Mabton and Snohomish have secured loans and grants for their wastewater treatment plant projects.

The other recipients include Rock Island in Douglas County, the Skokomish Indian Tribe for work at Potlatch in Mason County, and Mason County for work in Belfair.

Washington Department of Ecology water quality programme manager Kelly Susewind said, "We make it a priority to provide technical assistance and outreach to communities throughout the state so they can tap in to our annual funding programme for low-interest loans and grants to protect clean water."

Stream-side protection, restoration projects and public clean water education projects will also be funded by the state’s Department of Ecology.

The funding will be shared by various state and central agencies with the Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund providing $67m, while the Centennial Clean Water Program provides $13.5m, and $1.6m will come from the Clean Water Section 319 Nonpoint Source Fund.

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Image: The Washington State Department of Ecology is set to provide $82m in grants and loans towards clean water projects in the state.