$278 million in public works investments passes House

Morris pushes for millions in water/sewer projects for Skagit

January 23, 2008

OLYMPIA – While presiding over the House Floor debate Wednesday, Speaker pro tem Jeff Morris (D – Mount Vernon) voted in favor of a package that will invest millions in local infrastructure projects throughout Skagit County. 

The package of potential projects is created by the Public Works Board -  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. Selected projects receive loans with no or low-interest.

“When it comes to smart investments in our local communities,” said Morris, “This fair and competitive bidding process really shows how public and private interests can work together to better the quality of life for our citizens and attract good-paying jobs to the region.”

This year’s bill includes 52 projects leveraging $546.3 million in investments from local governments and potentially jumpstarting $1.9 billion in state economic activity. The bill (HB 2437) now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

"These are important projects that benefit the entire region and they also create jobs - that’s good government at work," said Rep. Dave Quall (D-Mount Vernon). "It’s a win-win scenario for our local community, businesses, and workers."

Local projects and their loan amounts included in the investment package are:

• Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade in Mount Vernon - $10,000,000

• Critical Sewer Interceptor Replacement in Sedro-Woolley -  $6,023,491

• Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation in Blaine - $10,000,000

• Upgrade to Water Reclamation in the Skagit County Sewer District #2 – $10,000,000

“The area in and around Skagit is experiencing growing pains just like several other highly attractive regions in the state,” said Morris. “To get these projects on the public works list is very rewarding.

 “The added benefit of these investments is a cleaner environment,” added Morris. “By improving our ability to treat wastewater and stormwater in Western Washington, we’ll reach our goal of a healthy Puget Sound that much sooner.”

Since the inception of the program, local governments using the Public Works Trust Fund have invested $602.8 million in the Puget Sound area.