Port Angeles project picks up $10 million in state help

Reps. Kessler and Van De Wege help pass low-interest state loan

January 25, 2008

OLYMPIA – A public works bill passed Wednesday that will provide assistance to 52 projects across the state, including $10 million locally for Port Angeles.  The funding will help get a series of sewer projects going, specifically addressing overflow issues.

State Reps. Lynn Kessler (D-Hoquiam) and Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) both voted to pass the bill and are hopeful future public works bills will continue supporting projects in the district.

The legislation, House Bill 2437, is recommended by the Public Works Board, a non-partisan group that analyzes projects from around the state.  This year’s project list will provide loans for no or low interest.

“Having Port Angeles receive $10 million in assistance speaks to what’s happening across the Olympic Peninsula,” Van De Wege said.  “Different sectors are developing, or are seeing new growth.  We need local governments to keep up with population and job growth.”

The loan will cover all but about $7 million, which is made up through previous state help and funding from local resources. 

“I can’t say enough about the value this non-partisan program has brought to our state,” Kessler said, “but it’s also important for the health of our environment, that the state continue to help local governments ensure their lakes, streams and drinking water are clean.”

Across the state, the bill has $277.9 million in assistance for the 52 projects dealing with bridges, roads, water and sewage systems, and solid waste and recycling facilities.

It passed unanimously and now heads to the Senate for consideration.