Morton pleased to learn three 7th District drinking water projects to receive federal funding

May 5, 2009

Olympia…Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he is pleased that three water projects in Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties will receive funding under the federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. 

The three projects are: 

• Republic, Ferry County
  $2.4 million for Pine Grove system consolidation project 

• Hunters, Stevens County
  $1.07  million for arsenic, iron and manganese remediation project 

• Metaline, Pend Oreille County
  $600,000 water tank and water treatment plant improvements 

The state Department of Health reviewed nearly 350 project applications; 24 projects in 18 counties were approved. Priority was given to projects that can start within four months in disadvantaged communities where jobs are sorely needed and where serious public health issues would be addressed. 

In March and April, more than $22 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were approved for eight road projects in the 7th District. 

“Our communities have fared very well,” Morton said. “All projects eligible for federal funding had to be ‘shovel-ready’ to put people to work. I am very pleased with the prospect of more jobs for our citizens and that we will be able to make public safety improvements to our roads and complete projects to protect our water supplies.” 

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Additional contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov