July 2009 Vol. 64 No. 7
WaterWorks
EPA awards stimulus funds for water infrastructure projects in Washington
In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for the people in the state of Washington, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $41 million to the Washington State Department of Health. This new infusion of money will help the state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.
According to Michelle Pirzadeh, EPA’s acting Regional Administrator in Seattle, the funds provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 will go to the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program.
“This is great news for Washington families and the environment,” said Pirzadeh. “Everyone agrees that safe, clean drinking water is a fundamental building-block for healthy communities and local economies. The Washington Department of Health will use 20 percent of the $41.8 million for water conservation and other innovative projects. This stimulus grant makes an important down payment on fixing our aging drinking water infrastructure and will also offer workers more well-paid, ‘green’ jobs.“
Comments