State or Federally Funded Projects
Puget Island Water System Water Source Development Project
For the past eighty plus years, Wahkiakum PUD has purchased water from Cathlamet Water System to serve the PUD’s Puget Island water customers. The Cathlamet water source is a surface water system located north of Town on the Elochoman River, and, with rare exception, the Cathlamet Water System 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 looked like it could come to fruition.
PUD Commissioners began by directing staff to explore a water source on Puget Island. We chose 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.
Wahkiakum PUD began by self-funding a hydrogeology study to investigate water availability on Puget Island. The hydrogeology study demonstrated water was available and most suitable locations would be on the north side of Puget Island. Staff researched and solicited property options, then the PUD purchased the small parcel of property off West Little Island Road. Wahkiakum PUD successfully drilled a well and tested for contaminants, an archeology study was completed, the necessary water rights were acquired, and the final step is to build the water treatment facility for treatment and storage.
The well site has been reviewed by Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and we have been working closely with Washington State Department of Ecology throughout this entire process and anticipate a positive outcome. Considering the funding opportunities secured or potentially available, we do not anticipate any rate adjustments directly related to this project.
Primary Funding Source: $2,116,610 has been secured through the following agencies:
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Washington State Public Works Board
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Washington State Department of Health
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U.S. Environmental Health Agency
Project Cost Estimate: to be determined
Estimated completion: 2029
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). Please visit our Consolidation Study page for more details.
Primary Funding Source: Washington State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
Project Cost Estimate: $50,000
Funding Structure:
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DWSRF: 100% ($50,000)
Completion: Spring 2025
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:
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DWSRF: 84% Loan Forgiveness ($831,432)
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PUD: 16% ($158,368)
Estimated completion: Summer 2027
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:
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PWB: 50% ($118,500)
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PUD: 50% ($118,500)
Completion: Fall 2025
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:
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Washington State Department of Commerce: 75% ($11,250)
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PUD: 25% ($3,750)
Completion: Spring 2025