Thursday
March 8, 2007
Ecology Invites Public
Comments on Proposed Changes to Funding Rules
Source: Washington Department of Ecology
The funding programs are the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and the Centennial Clean Water Program.
Ecology is seeking the proposed changes to reflect existing and new funding priorities set by the state, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and interest groups.
The state-funded Centennial Clean Water Program provides grants and low-interest loans for water quality projects, such as education and outreach and water quality monitoring. It also funds the construction of wastewater treatment facilities in financially distressed communities.
The federally funded Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund provides low-interest loans for water quality facilities projects. For example, the fund helps pay for planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plants and stormwater facilities. This fund also pays for activities geared to reduce pollution that is caused by people and people's land uses, also known as non-point pollution. Activities available for funding through this fund include education and outreach, stream restoration and local government loan programs to fund on-site septic system repair and replacement.
Public bodies, such as counties, cities, tribes, and special purpose districts, may apply to these funding programs for projects that prevent and control water pollution to our state's surface and ground water.
The proposed changes to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) are for Chapter 173-98 WAC, "Uses and Limitations of the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund," and Chapter 173-95A WAC, "Uses and Limitations of the Centennial Clean Water Fund."
Some of Ecology's proposed changes include:
* Incorporate and clarify federal
requirements and intent of state statute.
* Update hardship-funding criteria.
* Redistribute program-funding allocations between facilities and
activities projects.
* Update requirements for the design-build process (alternative
contracting).
* Add new loan and grant eligibilities, such as best management practices.
* Enhance the current on-site septic system local loan program by
introducing hardship grants.
* Introduce hardship grants for certain storm water projects.
* Provide added flexibility in the application process.
If adopted, the proposed revisions will be implemented for the funding cycle beginning September 1, 2007, for the State Fiscal Year (FY) 2009.
Ecology will hold two public hearings on the proposed changes, preceded by an information sharing presentation that will include a question and answer session.
The first public hearing will take place at 1 p.m. on March 28 at the Thurston County Fairgrounds Expo Center, 3054 Carpenter Rd. S.E., Lacey. The second hearing will be held at 1 p.m. on March 29 at the Ramada Inn Spokane Airport, 8909 West Airport Drive, Spokane.
Ecology will hold an information-sharing presentation prior to each hearing at each location from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants need not attend the information sharing presentation to testify at the hearing.
The public may submit comments to Ecology in writing or at the public hearings. People can send their written comments to Cindy Price, Financial Management Section, Water Quality Program, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. Price may be reached at 360-407-7132, by fax at 360-407-7151, or by e-mail at cpri461@ecy.wa.gov Ecology will accept public comments until 5 p.m. April 6.
Web site for more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/funding/Rule%20Amedment/rule_revision_index.htm
Contact:Sandy Howard, public information manager, 360-407-6408