The Washington Department of Ecology has launched a significant investment into the state's water quality, funding 101 clean water projects across Washington to the tune of $188 million. This investment is fueled by a combination of state and federal dollars, primarily through the Water Quality Combined Funding program, which notably received more federal funding than expected from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for this cycle. However, the future may hold less promising news, as the proposed EPA budget for 2026 hints at a more than 90% cut in such funding nationally, a move that could slash the opportunity for such projects in the years ahead.
Despite the potentially grim financial prospects down the line, Ecology is currently celebrating a diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at elevating water standards. "Every project we are funding means cleaner water for Washington communities – from nearly a half million dollars to restore aquatic habitat in the Nooksack River to $3.1 million for installing stormwater treatment in Wenatchee," said Casey Sixkiller, Ecology director, in a statement released by the Department of Ecology's website. These funded projects can be explored via an interactive map now available online, which details where investments are being made across the state.
Many of these investments are geared towards wastewater treatment improvements and stormwater management. For instance, aimed at protecting the Pend Oreille River, Metaline Falls is receiving $1.5 million to design and rebuild a sewer pump station. Meanwhile, the City of Mattawa has been offered $6.2 million to overhaul its wastewater treatment facility's solids handling capabilities, and the Town of Spangle is benefiting from $400,000 in the development of a facility plan to accommodate expected population growth.
Poulsbo and Wenatchee are also among the beneficiaries of stormwater-related endeavors. The former's Public Works Department is set to utilize about $1.3 million to enhance stormwater treatment for South Fork Dogfish Creek. According to Ecology's announcement, this project is critical as the lack of stormwater treatment has been consequential for habitat conditions for various salmon and steelhead populations. Elsewhere, the Wenatchee watershed project, with a hefty $500,000 allocation, seeks to ameliorate salmon habitat through a combination of stream restoration and agricultural runoff mitigation efforts.
Moreover, in line with the state's Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, Ecology is also taking environmental justice into account when allocating funds. This year marks the second where environmental justice assessments will be conducted for grant or loan offers that exceed $12 million.
As for those looking to dip into this well of funding, Ecology has announced that applications for the next cycle of clean water funding are now being accepted earlier than in previous years, from July 22 through September 3, 2025. Interested parties can get details on the application process by visiting the Ecology's grants and loans webpage.
