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House approves Oak Harbor,
Freeland public works projects
The House of
Representatives today gave unanimous approval to a measure that would
provide more than $1.1 million in low-interest loans for water
improvement projects in Oak Harbor and Freeland.
Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak
Harbor, supported House Bill 1049, which authorizes 64 project loans
statewide that were recommended by the state’s Public Works Board.
"These projects will
improve our local infrastructure and provide jobs that will help our
local economy," said Bailey. "The low-interest loans are provided
through the state’s public works assistance account to cities and
counties that have demonstrated a need for water and sewer improvements.
It’s a very good program that helps our local communities."
The measure includes $834,700 to replace existing water transmission
lines that must be removed due to impending highway construction. The
project includes construction of nearly 4,000 feet of water mains along
Highway 20 just south of Deception Pass State Park.
"This will help to
increase water capacity for Oak Harbor into the foreseeable future and
has the added benefit of providing sufficient capacity for the Whidbey
Island Naval Air Station," noted Bailey.
The other project approved
by the House would allow for $308,030 in a low-interest loan to the
Freeland Water District. Bailey said the money would help to solve
source and storage needs by constructing a new water reservoir. The
project also involves connecting a new well to the reservoir and
providing improvements to the existing well.
The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
"I’m very pleased that
this is one of the first bills to pass in the House of Representatives
this session. We recognize the importance of providing this assistance
to our communities," added Bailey. "I expect this will gain quick and
full support in the Senate and be signed into law so that our water and
sewer districts can get these projects under way."
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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