Cowlitz sewer project loan passed by House

One of 52 projects recommended by Public Works Board

January 23, 2008

The state House unanimously passed a $277.9 million public works bill today, including a $6.6 million loan for a crucial Cowlitz County wastewater treatment plant. Brought to the Legislature by the Public Works Board, selected projects receive loans with no or low-interest.

"The ailing Cowlitz sewer system and plant need to be fixed, and this loan will help get that done for the benefit of water quality and the environment," said Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen).

Rep. Dean Takko (D-Longview) added, "Local governments have relied on the Public Works fund for over 20 years, and the Cowlitz project is a perfect example of that vital partnership with the state."

The Cowlitz sewer project, through the Three Rivers Regional Wastewater Authority, would receive a Public Works loan for $6,630,750. Combined with other funds of $2.7 million, the total project will cost $9,330,750.

The project will impact the whole region and includes construction of new groundwater wells, a treatment plant and associated transmission mains. Its purpose is to replace the existing surface water source and antiquated treatment facilities with a new source and state-of-the-art treatment facilities. Failures in the 60-year old regional treatment plant start with the Cowlitz River, which in recent years has experienced significant increases in sedimentation and suspended solids in the raw water that compromise the capacity and reliability of the treatment plant, and have caused continuing mechanical and structural failures.

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. This year’s project list is expected to create $1.9 billion in state economic activity. House Bill 2437, sponsored by Rep. Larry Seaquist, now goes to the Senate for further consideration.