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Department of Ecology News Release - July 9, 2007
07-187
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has made changes to the rules that govern two key funding programs that protect water quality in Washington.
The funding programs are the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, a loan program, and the Centennial Clean Water Program, a grant and loan program.
"These changes help direct the state's limited grant and loan funds to our highest priority water quality needs," said Dave Peeler, manager of Ecology's water quality program. "The changes also protect the long-term financial health of the loan programs so the state can continue to give funding to local governments to build or improve sewer and stormwater treatment plants 20 years from now."
The changes reflect existing and new funding priorities set by Ecology, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and interest groups.
Peeler said Ecology used an inclusive process in making the changes. Ecology conducted public meetings and asked for public comments about the changes.
The proposed changes to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) are for Chapter 173-98 WAC, "Uses and Limitations of the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund," and Chapter 173-95A WAC, "Uses and Limitations of the Centennial Clean Water Fund."
Some of the changes include:
The proposed revisions will be implemented for the FY 2009 funding cycle, which begins on Sept. 1, 2007.
The state-funded Centennial Clean Water Program provides grants and low-interest loans for water quality projects, such as education and outreach and water quality monitoring. It also funds the construction of wastewater treatment facilities in financially distressed communities.
The federally funded Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund provides low-interest loans for water quality facilities and activities projects. For example, the fund helps pay for planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plants and stormwater facilities. This fund also pays for activities geared to reduce pollution that is caused by people and people's land uses, also known as nonpoint pollution. Activities available for funding through this fund include agricultural best management practices, stream restoration and local government loan programs to fund residential and small business on-site septic system repair and replacement.
Public bodies, such as counties, cities, tribes, and special purpose districts, may apply to these funding programs for projects that prevent and control water pollution to our state's surface and ground water.
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Contact: Sandy Howard, communications manager, 360-407-6408
Website for more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/funding/Rule%20Amedment/rule_revision_index.htm
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
