Gov. Chris Gregoire's proposed budget update would eliminate state funding for stormwater-cleaning projects in the Lake Whatcom watershed and the Padden Creek Estuary, according to the state Department of Ecology.
Funding also would be cut for a project to catch rainwater from roofs at the Bellingham Public Works operations building so crews could reuse it later.
Those are some of the cuts for stormwater monies in the 2012 proposed supplemental budget. Previously, the state approved $28.9 million in stormwater grants for local governments. But the legislature this session is working to patch a budget deficit; the governor proposed reducing the grants to $7.6 million.
"I'm still hopeful that when they have to go through the state budget slashing things that, perhaps, this won't be slashed," said Bill Reilly, manager of the storm and surface water utility for Public Works. "But I know that they certainly have some difficult decisions to make in terms of social programs versus something like this."
Local projects affected:
PADDEN CREEK ESTUARY
Ecology planned to provide $844,000 to Bellingham for a project to treat stormwater from much of Fairhaven and South Hill that flows via pipe into the Padden Creek Estuary. Under Gregoire's proposal, state funding would be eliminated. The project would involve buying land in the area and building a large wetland-type pond to treat stormwater, Reilly said. The location is still unknown, and city officials haven't approached landowners yet.
The city charges residents a stormwater fee on their utility bills. If state funding isn't available, the project might be a candidate for funding from the fee, he said.
NORTHSHORE DRIVE RETROFIT
City officials were set to receive $375,000 to retrofit more than a mile of Northshore Drive from Britton Road east and south to around city limits. Under Gregoire's proposal, the funding would be eliminated.
The project would essentially be an extension of the previous Northshore Drive project, where crews installed pervious pavement and sand filters to clean stormwater before it enters Lake Whatcom. They're not sure whether the mile would receive bike lanes, as the other stretch did, Reilly said.
If funded, it probably would be built in 2013.
City leaders are considering increasing the Lake Whatcom watershed fee on utility bills by $7 per month. The project is one that potentially could be funded by revenue from an increase, Reilly said.
RAIN CATCH PROJECT
Ecology planned to provide $134,000 to Bellingham for a project to catch rainwater from roofs of the Public Works operations buildings off Pacific Street. Under Gregoire's proposal, state funding would be eliminated. Water from roofs would be held in tanks, which would fill up Public Works vehicles that use water to spray out and clean sewer and stormwater systems, Reilly said.
Crews estimate they would collect about 1.5 million gallons per year. Currently, the shop uses about 1.2 million gallons a year in potable water, Reilly said
The project would reduce stormwater runoff and consumption of potable water. It also would serve as a demonstration to others contemplating similar projects. It would likely be built in 2013, Reilly said.
GENEVA PROJECT
Whatcom County Public Works was set to receive $621,000 for a project to make stormwater and stream improvements in the area of Coronado and Fremont streets in Geneva, in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Under Gregoire's proposal, the grant would be reduced to $408,000.
The project involves stabilizing an unnamed creek and ditches along Fremont Street, as well as installing a bioswale to clean stormwater, said Kirk Christensen, stormwater engineering manager at Whatcom County Public Works.
Project goals are to clean stormwater and reduce erosion. The city's lake water intake is nearby.
Construction is planned for 2013, Christensen said.
READ THE REPORT
Here's the draft list of the Department of Ecology's stormwater grants, as well information for commenting to Ecology (PDF). Comments are due by the end of Friday, Feb. 3.
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