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Department of Ecology News Release - December 6, 2006
06-256
OLYMPIA - The Department of Ecology invites the public to comment on a draft rule allowing local governments to get grants and/or loans for cleaning up sites contaminated by hazardous waste.
The Extraordinary Financial Hardship loan program is authorized under state law, but the rule has not been explicit about providing deferred terms and conditions. This proposed rule clarifies the applicant requirements.
The grants and loans encourage and speed up the clean up of hazardous waste sites. Furthermore, they reduce the financial impact on ratepayers and taxpayers.
Applicants for this new loan program must demonstrate all of the following hardships: * Financial need for the loan. * Inability to repay the loan under present circumstances. * Inability to obtain funds from any other source. * Inability to bond or raise its tax base.
To receive an Extraordinary Financial Hardship loan, the Department of Ecology's director must approve the local government's application.
The rule documents are available online for public review. They can be viewed at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173322.html or at the Ecology Headquarters at 300 Desmond Drive in Lacey.
A public hearing will be held on January 17, 2007 at the Ecology Headquarters Building, 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, Washington, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., January 25, 2007. You may electronically submit your comments at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/grants/rag_comments.html . Or you may send comments by US mail to Diane Singer, Remedial Action Grants/Loans manager, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. To submit comments via email, send to: direc461@ecy.wa.gov .
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Contacts: Kathy Davis, public information officer, 360-407-6149
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
