Skamania Co. receives $2.6M to build water treatment infrastructure

CARSON — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) helped secure a $2,656,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA's) Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to build updated filtration infrastructure at the Carson Water Treatment Plant to ensure drinking water is safe, reliable, and accessible in Skamania County.

With the funding, Skamania County PUD will construct a membrane filtration building, drying beds, septic tanks, a leach field, and pipelines connecting to the existing reservoir and stormwater ditch. Last year, Gluesenkamp Perez wrote to the USDA in support of the project.

Most of Skamania County relies on clean water from the Carson Water Treatment Plant, but it was constructed in 1978, no longer meets efficiency standards, and is regularly shut down due to complications from storms and leaf fall. Furthermore, frequent repairs and daily maintenance expend valuable staff time and resources in a small, rural facility.

This project has secured the support of the Skamania County Economic Development Council, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Port of Skamania, and the Skamania County Commissioners.

“Maintaining a steady supply of clean water is how we support the nuts and bolts of good government and rural economic development,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “These funds will help build durable wastewater infrastructure for the next generation and provide reliable service for Skamania County residents. I’ll continue to work to bring our tax dollars home to support the incredible work of our PUDs and limit burdens on ratepayers.”

“Skamania PUD is the recipient of an EPA grant along with a USDA grant and loan funds for the construction of a new water treatment plant in Carson, Washington. As a small rural utility, grant funding and low-interest loans are critical to building the infrastructure needed to support our communities,” said Randy Payne, Skamania County PUD general manager. “The PUD is very much appreciative of the support received from Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and their hardworking staff.”

Earlier this year, Gluesenkamp Perez secured $959,752 to expand wastewater infrastructure at the Port of Skamania County’s Cascades Business Park to address current demands and growth for industrial property.

The Congresswoman has now helped bring home more than $12.9 million for water and wastewater projects across Southwest Washington. An interactive map of community investments she has supported can be found at gluesenkampperez.house.gov/invest.