Ecology grants to fund seven Eastern Washington water quality improvement projects
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.
Conservation districts receiving awards include:
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Ecology grants to fund seven Eastern Washington water quality improvement projects