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Department of Ecology News Release - Nov. 17, 2003
03-224
OLYMPIA - Money earmarked to improve and protect water quality throughout Washington will come with new conditions next year. Communities receiving grants and loans from the Department of Ecology (Ecology) will have to show that they've actually solved environmental problems.
"We've always worked with communities to be sure they spend the money on the things they said they would," said Dick Wallace, who manages the water quality program at Ecology. "The difference is, now we'll also require them to show how their projects achieved actual environmental benefits.
"We're responding to the Legislature's interest in keeping a closer eye on how tax dollars are spent," said Wallace. "With this improved approach, we'll be able to better manage the public's investment in improving the environment."
As in years past, Ecology will provide millions of dollars in grants and loans in 2004 and 2005 to help communities combat water pollution through projects such as building or upgrading wastewater treatment plants, restoring stream banks and helping modify farming practices that disturb soil.
Next year, however, those who receive a share of the available $87 million will be required to help Ecology look at the environmental outcome of their project, perhaps several years after their project is complete, on how water quality was improved. Those who cannot demonstrate that an environmental benefit was achieved could be less likely to receive future funding, said Wallace.
"We won't just be asking, 'were the trees planted?' but also 'did the water get cooler as a result?' Not just, 'did they complete the treatment plant on time?' but also 'is water quality improving in the river?'" Wallace said. "The bottom line is, these projects are a huge investment of public funds. We need to find out whether that investment pays off."
Last year, a total of 74 projects in 28 counties were selected to receive $115.3 million in grants and low- or no-interest loans. Starting in December, local governments, tribes and not-for-profit groups will be invited to submit project ideas for the fiscal 2005 funding cycle, which will make funds available in July 2004.
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.
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Media contact: Leslie Thorpe, public information manager, (360) 407-6848, pager (360) 534-8590
Program contact: Dan Filip, senior environmental planner, (360) 407-6509
FY 2004 approved projects: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/funding/2004/index.html
Upcoming FY 2005 funding cycle: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/funding/2005/index.htm
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
