State or Federally Funded Projects
Puget Island Water System Mainline Improvements Project
Construction of the Puget Island Water System Mainline Improvements Project began in April 2024. The activities to be performed include the installation of two portions of water mainlines (approximately 6,000 linear feet) within the road right-of-way that will loop feed lines that are currently dead-ended. The anticipated outcome is the installation of two portions of water mainline, which will result in a loop feed water distribution system that is more flexible, reliable, and resilient for the residents of Puget Island, Washington.
Primary Funding Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Project Cost Estimate: $326,250
Funding Structure:
-
EPA: 80% ($261,000)
-
PUD: 20% ($65,250)
Estimated completion: Summer 2024
Puget Island Water System/Town of Cathlamet Consolidation Feasibility Study Project
The primary objective of this Consolidation Feasibility Study to identify and evaluate technical, administrative, and financial benefits, costs, and issues of consolidating the Town of Cathlamet water system (ID 69760) into Wahkiakum PUD’s Puget Island water system (ID 11850).
Primary Funding Source: Washington State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
Project Cost Estimate: $50,000
Funding Structure:
-
DWSRF: 100% ($50,000)
Estimated completion: Fall 2024
Western Wahkiakum Water System Grays River Water Main Replacement Project
Scope of work includes replacement of the existing 4,000 feet of 6-inch water main with an 8-inch water main along West State Route 4 between the Grays River Water Treatment Plant and Fairview Road for sustained dependability for Western Wahkiakum County residents.
Primary Funding Source: Washington State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
Project Cost Estimate: $989,800
Funding Structure:
-
DWSRF: 84% Loan Forgiveness ($831,432)
-
PUD: 16% ($158,368)
Estimated completion: Fall 2024
Skamokawa Water System Water Mainline Extension Project
The Skamokawa Water System is a very small water system. Currently, residents bordering the service territory in this area are using springs for their water source. Clean, treated potable water from a reliable source is important for health and safety. With limited financial resources and limited customer base, the water system will have difficulty financing capital improvement projects like this without outside assistance. Extending water service will increase property values as well as help owners develop vacant properties to aid economic development.
Primary Funding Source: Washington State Department of Commerce Public Works Board (PWB)
Project Cost Estimate: $237,000
Funding Structure:
-
PWB: 50% ($118,500)
-
PUD: 50% ($118,500)
Estimated completion: Summer 2024
Cybersecurity Assessment and Improvements Project
The goal of the 2022 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (22SLCGP) is to assist state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments with managing and reducing systemic cyber risk. This project is to include a cyber assessment of the PUD infrastructure, implement necessary recommendations, procure necessary hardware, and verify that implementation was successful.
Primary Funding Source: Washington State Military Department
Project Cost Estimate: $57,750
Funding Structure:
-
Washington State Military Department: 100% ($57,750)
Estimated completion: Fall 2024
PUD Fleet/Shop Electric Vehicle Charging Station Project
The Washington State Electric Vehicle Charging Program (WAEVCP) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuels, improve air quality, and promote equity in access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This grant will provide funding specifically for the Wahkiakum PUD fleet parking facility.
Primary Funding Source: Washington State Department of Commerce
Project Cost Estimate: $15,000
Funding Structure:
-
Washington State Department of Commerce: 75% ($11,250)
-
PUD: 25% ($3,750)
Estimated completion: Fall 2024
Puget Island Water System Water Source Development Project
For the past eighty plus years, Wahkiakum PUD has purchased water from the Town of Cathlamet to serve the PUD’s Puget Island water customers. The Town’s water source is a surface water system located north of Town on the Elochoman River, and, with rare exception, the Town has supplied high quality water to meet the needs of our customers.
​
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires water systems like ours to develop and implement a Water System Plan. For many years, the largest item in that plan has been to develop our own water source. This project is the most expensive and time consuming to develop and complete. However, with Federal and State infrastructure funding, this project looks like it could come to fruition.
​
The PUD Commissioners directed me to begin moving forward on this project to develop a water source. We have chosen a step-by-step approach to this project. Dissatisfaction at any step could provide an off ramp and the project could be concluded. Your PUD Commissioners must approve each step for the project to move forward.
​
While working to obtain grant funding for the entire project, the PUD began by self-funding a hydrogeology study to investigate water availability. The hydrogeology study demonstrated water was available and most suitable locations would be on the north side of the island. PUD staff researched and solicited property options. The PUD purchased a small parcel of property off West Little Island Road.
The next step is to drill a well. The well will be designed to current Washington State Department of Health Standards for potable water. The well site was reviewed by the DOH for sources of contamination and was approved by DOH. Once the well is drilled, the water will be tested for a full range of contaminants and if necessary, treatment will be provided to meet drinking water standards. All work will be reviewed and approved by the DOH.
​
In conjunction with drilling a well, the PUD is working to acquire water rights through the Washington State Department of Ecology. We have been working closely with them throughout this entire process and anticipate a positive outcome. If all of these steps are successful, we plan on constructing a treatment and storage facility on the site. Considering the funding opportunities secured and still available, we do not anticipate any rate adjustments directly related to this project.
Primary Funding Source: pending federal and state funding grant funding
Project Cost Estimate: to be determined
Estimated completion: to be determined