FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Aug. 18, 2003 03-161 $115.3 million will help local communities improve water quality OLYMPIA - Cities and towns with aging wastewater treatment plants, cash-strapped conservation and irrigation districts, and other agencies working to solve crucial water pollution problems will be offered more than $115 million this year by the Department of Ecology to improve and protect water quality throughout the state. "This is great news for communities throughout Washington," said Ecology director Tom Fitzsimmons, in announcing which projects will be funded. "This money will help solve pressing water quality problems all over our state." A total of 74 projects in 28 counties were selected to receive $115.3 million in grants and low- or no-interest loans over the next year. Project examples include volunteer water quality monitoring and stream planting programs in Spokane, new seeding equipment in Whitman and Asotin counties to encourage less-polluting tilling methods, a rainwater recycling pilot program in Seattle, and sewage treatment plant upgrades in Reardan. Local governments, tribes and not-for-profit groups submitted 119 proposals requesting approximately $230 million for the fiscal 2004 funding cycle. Ecology selected 74 of the projects based on the amount of available funding, existing or potential water-quality problems, the proposed project's likely effectiveness at solving pollution problems, state and federal requirements, community priorities and local initiatives available to help the project succeed. "We got so many excellent proposals," said Carrie Berry, who administered the grant and loan program this year. "Unfortunately, they can't all be funded, especially in tough budget times, but we hope to do more down the road." Ecology distributes the grants and loans and provides technical assistance to qualifying communities. Funding is provided through the state Centennial Clean Water Fund, Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint-Source Fund. Key legislators from both parties pointed out how important this funding is for Washington's water quality. "It was imperative that the Legislature step up to the plate, even during these difficult financial times, and make significant appropriations to the clean-water fund," said Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, chairman of the Senate capital budget committee. "We all value clean water," said Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham, chairwoman of the House agriculture and natural resources committee. "There will be future support for this funding because of the results we've seen from these important investments." The funds will help the selected communities upgrade and improve municipal wastewater-treatment plants to serve growing populations; clean up polluted lakes, rivers and streams; reduce and manage pollution from storm water, urban development and agricultural practices; reclaim waste water; and improve habitat for salmon and other threatened fish species.
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