Senator Murray Announces $7 million Loan for Battle Ground Sewer Project included in Recovery Funding

Funds will go to build new sewer system in rapidly expanding city

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that a $7,000,000 loan will be made available to the City of Battle Ground to help them build a sewer system. These funds were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This funding will help create local jobs and is a strong investment in Battle Ground’s infrastructure,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Improving the safety and quality of water systems is absolutely critical for growing communities like Battle Ground.”

These funds, provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, will be awarded through the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Water and Environmental Program which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

As a senior member of the Senate committees that fund and oversee energy and water development, Murray worked to ensure that investments in Washington state’s water systems were a key component of the Recovery Act. Senator Murray voted to pass the Recovery Act on February 13th. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th.

In 2018, Battle Ground’s population is expected to more than double from approximately 16,000 in 2006 to 35,000. Because of the population forecasts, the City has been evaluating infrastructure and operational needs from transportation upgrades to emergency response. One of the most pressing issues for the City to address is the demand for water. By 2018, the City will need to add approximately 1.4 million gallons of sewer capacity.