The city of Auburn will receive $3 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to replace more than 700 gooseneck fixtures in the city’s distribution system that will help reduce the risk to human health from exposure to lead in drinking water.
Auburn was among many recipients throughout the state to receive federal funding in support of Washington’s $22 million plan for key drinking water projects and $120 million plan to improve wastewater infrastructure. The EPA announced the recipients Monday.
The sources of funding for projects on Washington’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan include a $24.5 million grant from EPA – of which $7.6 million will be used for non-project related activities – and $5.5 million in state matching funds.
Similarly, the sources of funding for Washington’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan include a $27.6 million grant from EPA, $5.5 million in state matching funds, along with $87 million in interest earnings and repayments from previous CWSRF loans.
“The state revolving fund program is essential to providing all Americans the clean and safe water they deserve,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick. “EPA is very proud to support Washington’s plan and we remain committed to helping communities in the state with infrastructure improvements that protect their water resources their health.”
The EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program provides below-market rate loans for the construction of drinking water treatment facilities and other projects and activities vital to ensuring the delivery of clean and safe drinking water at the tap. The loans help communities keep water rates more affordable while addressing local water infrastructure challenges. Similarly, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund helps states fund large wastewater and other water quality projects.
