Washington State Department of Ecology

News Release

Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 6, 2000

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Washington communities to share nearly $94 million to improve water quality

OLYMPIA – Antiquated wastewater treatment plants, irrigation districts needing to keep pollution out of rivers, and other serious water pollution problems will be aided by approximately $94 million in loans and grants that are being awarded by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology).

Ecology has selected 82 projects that will get money this year to improve water quality in communities all over Washington state.

"This is very good news to communities that need to improve their water quality so it's safe for their citizens and for fish," said Tom Fitzsimmons, Ecology's director. "We only wish there was more money to go around, because there are hundreds more water quality needs in our state."

This year, local governments and Indian tribes requested funding for 221 projects totaling $268 million.

Ecology reviewed those proposals and also solicited comments from the public about which projects should get the money. After considering the comments, the agency selected the projects that met the following criteria: existing or potential water-quality problems, the effectiveness of proposed projects to solve pollution problems, and local community coordination.

"We have some very good and creative projects that will move forward with this money," said Megan White, who manages Ecology's water-quality program. "As an example, we will be funding a project to provide information about irrigating and protecting water quality in both English and Spanish to Hispanic landowners in Grant County."

Ecology administers the loan and grant program and also provides technical assistance. Funding is provided through the Centennial Clean Water Fund, Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint-Source Fund.

The money helps communities upgrade and improve municipal wastewater-treatment plants to serve growing populations; reduce and manage pollution from storm water, urban development and agricultural practices; and engage in other projects to improve water quality for people and fish.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Public Information Manager, (360) 407-6157, pager, (360) 534-8590; Steve Carley, Water Quality Manager, (360) 407-6572

For a complete list of projects in your coverage area: Department of Ecology Web site http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0010056.html (Link updated March 1, 2001)