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Trump Administration Invests $462 Million to Modernize Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Rural Communities

Name
Phil Eggman
Phone
City
Olympia
Release Date

Funding will Improve Rural Water Infrastructure for 467,000 Rural Americans in 44 States; Six Projects in Washington State

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 3, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $462 million to modernize critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across rural America.

“Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,” Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Background:

USDA is funding 161 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program benefiting 467,000 residents, including six projects totaling over $18.2 million in Washington State. The following are the projects in Washington State under today’s announcement:

  • In North Bend, King County., the Sallal Water Association will use a $6.5 million loan to construct a reservoir, a new headquarters building and a new well. The Association supplies potable water to about 1,700 connections serving approximately 5,000 people throughout its service area, which includes the Wilderness Rim Association. The system currently delivers 190 million gallons of water each year from three wells.
  • The City of Leavenworth, Chelan County, will use a $5.4 million loan/grant combination to continue building a new wastewater treatment facility with a primary focus to mitigate phosphorus levels in the Wenatchee River.
  • The City of Westport, Grays Harbor County, will use a $3 million loan to drill two new deep wells and connect them to existing infrastructure. The new wells will provide sufficient high quality water for the city’s 2,080 residents, while meeting the city’s current demand for water for domestic, industrial and commercial supply.
  • King County Water District 123 will use a $2.3 million loan to construct a new water reservoir for the rural community of Preston, an unincorporated historic mill town on the northeast edge of the large Tiger Mountain State Forest. Their current water system is made up of a well, pump line, and the existing storage tank (which will be replaced), plus water lines feeding the tank.
  • The City of Stevenson, Skamania County, will use a $943,600 loan/grant combination to replace varies pump stations and increase sewer line size, while providing flood protection to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The result is an increase in capacity to handle high-rain events, reduce energy costs with more efficient pumps, improve resiliency with back-up power and increase flood protection with improved drainage at the treatment plant, benefiting the city’s 1,465 residents.
  • In Island County, a $450,000 loan will be used to replace aging water distribution mains for the Rocky Point Heights Community Club (RPCC), an incorporated homeowners association located at Rocky Point Heights, a neighborhood on the northwest side of Camano Island. Their wells and storage facilities are held jointly (Combined Water) with Brentwood, an adjoining neighborhood. RPCC manages their own water distribution system, which was originated in 1960. The new distribution system will improve water quality and capacity for approximately 200 rural residents.

Six projects were funded in Washington State totaling over $18.7 million.

"Quality water and waste services are vital to the health and economic viability of rural communities in Washington State," said Kirk Pearson, Washington State Director. "When rural America thrives, all America thrives."

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact USDA Rural Development’s Washington State Office.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.