Washington House Democrats

Blaine wastewater project loan passed by House

One of 52 projects recommended by Public Works Board

The state House unanimously passed a $277.9 million public works bill today, including a $10 million loan for Blaine’s wastewater treatment plant. Brought to the Legislature by the Public Works Board, selected projects receive loans with no or low-interest.

This year’s project list is expected to create $1.9 billion in state economic activity.

"For over two decades, the Public Works Board has recommended low or no interest loans for local governments to improve their water, sewer and other infrastructure. Blaine’s crucial wastewater plant will benefit from this successful program, improve the environment and create good local jobs." said Rep. Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham).

In Blaine, the wastewater treatment plant project at Lighthouse Point would receive a low-interest $10 million loan. The $34.8 million project will construct a new wastewater treatment plant that increases treatment capacity and uses the latest filtering technology to produce reusable water. The project relocates treatment facilities to satisfy the legal requirement to abandon the existing wastewater treatment plant in an ancient tribal burial ground on Semiahmoo Spit. The new treatment facility is designed to serve the community for the next 20 years and improve Puget Sound water quality for shellfish and other purposes.

The Public Works Board is a non-partisan agency that selects projects submitted by local governments using a competitive process. Bridges, roads, water and sewage systems, and solid waste and recycling facilities are projects eligible for assistance through this program. There has never been a loan default in 23 years of the Public Works Trust Fund.

This year 52 proposed projects statewide would leverage $546.3 million in investments from local governments. House Bill 2437, sponsored by Rep. Larry Seaquist, now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

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HB 2437: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2437&year=2007 

Public Works Board website and 2008 Public Works Report (Nov. 2007, PDF)