Washington state approves $21 million for emergency sewer and stormwater repairs

(UI) — The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million for critical infrastructure projects, including emergency sewer and stormwater repairs, in 10 communities.

The PWB has allocated $20 million to expand broadband access in unserved communities, $550,000 for two pre-construction projects, and $514,500 for two emergency infrastructure projects.

Among the approved emergency projects, Jefferson Public Utility District No. 1 received $4 million in broadband construction match funding ($2.8 million loan and $1.2 million grant) for the Northeast Olympic FTTP project. The investment will assist with construction cost increases associated with prior awards by the Washington State Broadband Office.

When complete, the projects will provide approximately 377 miles of fiber for 3,222 end users located in areas of Quilcene, Sequim, Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Chimacum, and Nordland.

The Olympic View Water & Sewer District was granted $250,000 for the development of the Olympic View Sewer System Comprehensive Plan project, which will update the district’s comprehensive sewer system plan.

The city of Wenatchee was awarded $250,000 ($212,500 loan and $37,500 grant) for the Fifth & Emerson Emergency Storm Repair project. This project will repair over 300 feet of stormwater main and the affected sidewalk and roadway after a broken stormwater main caused a sinkhole, impacting pedestrian, bike, and motor vehicle traffic.

"The Washington State Public Works Board is proud to offer funding for these critical emergency repairs and broadband infrastructure construction projects in these 10 Washington communities,” said PWB Chair Kathryn A. Gardow. “With favorable loan terms, below-market interest rates, and grant availability, the PWB makes funding affordable for communities with little or no reliable broadband service and for the infrastructure fundamental to a high quality of life for all Washingtonians."

The PWB anticipates closing its current open construction funding cycle on June 28, 2024, with up to $148 million available to address critical local infrastructure needs, including roads, streets, bridges, wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, solid waste, recycling, and organics. The PWB also offers funding for pre-construction and emergency construction projects on an ongoing basis until all available funds are exhausted. The PWB has approximately $2.9 million in emergency and an additional $1 million in emergency broadband funding remaining.

Since its creation by the Legislature in 1985, the Washington State Public Works Board has provided more than $3.1 billion to over 2,000 infrastructure projects across the state. The board encourages self-reliance by local governments in meeting their public works needs and assists in financing critical public works projects by offering loans, grants, financing guarantees, and technical assistance.

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