State of Washington Awarded $216 Million for Clean Water Projects
The Washington State Department of Ecology is awarding a total $216 million in grants and loans that could support more than 2,300 jobs and improve water quality for communities across the state of Washington.
$18.7 million for 19 high-priority clean water projects is being offered in the southwest region.
“The money will fund 81 high-priority clean water projects that will upgrade wastewater treatment systems and sewer systems, better manage polluted stormwater, and prevent and clean up pollution from diffuse sources,” according to the department’s press release.
The $216 million being awarded will be divided as follows:
- $178 million in grants and forgivable and low-interest loans to help fund 34 wastewater projects
- $30 million in grants and low-interest loans to help pay for 26 stormw ater projects
- $9 million in grants and low-interest loans to help fund 21 nonpoint projects
Projects are separated into three categories, based on the type of pollution they reduce: wastewater from treatment plants; surface runoff from storms; and nonpoint pollution.
“Nearly 90% of Ecology’s water quality funding is given to local communities for environmental projects. Money comes from a mix of state and federal funds,” according to the department’s press release. “State financial managers calculate that every $1 million spent on building clean water infrastructure creates 11 direct and indirect jobs in Washington.”
The specific project details and highlights can be found here:
- Northwest Washington counties
- Southwest Washington counties
- Central Washington counties
- Eastern Washington counties