Omak, Wash., secures funding to upgrade water, sewer infrastructure linked to bridge replacement
(UI) — As Washington state prepares to replace a key bridge in Omak, the city must address a related infrastructure challenge: relocating or upgrading a water main attached to the aging structure. The Washington State Public Works Board has awarded Omak $210,000 in pre-construction funding to support the effort.
The funds are part of $3.2 million in grants and low-interest loans awarded across five counties to improve water and sewer systems.
“The funding will help us figure out the best option for our community, be ready to apply for future funding, and keep enough money in reserve,” Omak City Administrator Todd McDaniel said.
The bridge, which spans the Okanogan River and connects downtown Omak to the Colville Reservation, is due for replacement. The awarded funds will help assess relocation options for the water main and review environmental impacts, ensuring uninterrupted service for residents and businesses.
Other approved projects include:
- Benton City – $75,438 to inspect and assess 8,000 feet of deteriorating sewer lines.
- Okanogan – $1 million for wastewater treatment facility upgrades to prevent shutdowns and extend the plant’s life.
- Prosser – $100,700 to address maintenance issues in the Yakima River sewer crossings, reducing the risk of raw sewage overflows.
- Sedro-Woolley – $750,000 for wastewater treatment plant evaluations to determine if the aging facility should be repaired or replaced.
- Coulee Dam – $87,000 for a scuba team inspection of a sewer outfall pipe in the Columbia River, ensuring proper function and preventing contamination.
- Winthrop – $1 million for the design of a new wastewater treatment facility to improve water quality in the Methow River and protect endangered salmon species.
The Public Works Board, now in its 40th year, continues to provide funding for infrastructure projects statewide. Applications for the next round of pre-construction funding are due by March 31, 2025, with awards expected in May.
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