OLYMPIA, Wash.-The Washington Department of Ecology has announced grant funding for 14 projects to improve water quality in watersheds across the state, including 7 in Eastern Washington.
According to Ecology, the $651,000 in grant funding is from penalties issued for violations of the state Water Pollution Control Act and will be distributed starting May 1.
The funding will be used to restore rivers, floodplains and salmon habitat, provide outreach and education, remove invasive plant species and build watersheds that are more resistant to climate change.
Penalty fees are put into the Terry Husseman Account designed to help local, Tribal and State Governments fund environmental projects, according to Ecology.
Eastern Washington Projects receiving funding:
Benton Conservation District: $36,229 to restore a side channel in the Yakima River by replacing invasive species with native vegetation. The project will reduce excessive water temperatures in the summer and strengthen the floodplain for increased stream flows through the side channel.Cascade Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group: $43,550 to improve water quality and community engagement in the Methow, Wenatchee, and Okanogan river basins.Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group: $49,944 to establish a riparian forest along Cowiche Creek and $49,950 for the Wilson Creek Riparian Buffer in Kittitas County to remove invasive species from the creek.Spokane Conservation District: $50,000 to stabilize and restore the stream bank along Deadman Creek. Project will stop erosion, reconnect the floodplain and restore riparian buffer.Walla Walla County Conservation District: $49,750 to respond to an environmental emergency at Mill Creek and $44,308 to reduce erosion and increase riparian plantings on Dry Creek. Project will install pilings and plant native vegetation.
