State Funding Programs Washington's Water Quality Funding Programs

Washington Department of Ecology's Water Quality Program administers three major funding programs (managed as one) that provide low-interest loans and grants for projects that protect and improve water quality. The three programs that share guidelines, application, and funding cycles are (1) the Centennial Clean Water Fund, which provides low-interest loans and grants for wastewater treatment facilities and fund-related activities to reduce nonpoint sources of water pollution; (2) the State Revolving Fund (SRF), which provides low-interest loans for wastewater treatment facilities and related activities, or to reduce nonpoint sources of water pollution; and (3) the section 319 grants program.

During fiscal year 2001, 82 projects will receive funding in the form of grants and loans totaling $93.7 million. Projects will address water quality improvement and protection initiatives, including wastewater collection, treatment, reuse, and reclamation; salmon habitat and riparian corridor improvements; sediment control; agricultural BMPs; watershed action plans; wellhead protection; storm water treatment; environmental education; and water quality monitoring.

Each year Washington reserves 20 percent of its lendable funds (through the SRF and Centennial Clean Water Fund programs) for nonpoint source and estuary projects. In state fiscal year 2001, that 20 percent (more than $12 million) was fully committed to these types of projects.

For more information on Washington's water quality funding programs, see www.ecy.wa.gov/ programs/wq/ funding.[BROKEN]

 

 

Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds | Watershed Protection