Three communities in the 9th Legislative District are among about two dozen Washington rural cities or counties that will receive Community Development Block Grants from the state Department of Commerce this year.
The local communities receiving grants are:
- Kahlotus, $680,000 for well and water distribution improvements.
- Lind, $750,000 for water system improvements.
- Ritzville, $624,790 for sewer system improvements, and $24,000 for a sewer collection preliminary design report.
“These grants will help Kahlotus, Lind and Ritzville complete some important water or sewer projects that will improve their communities,” said state Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “The Community Development Block Grant program has aided many towns in my district and other rural parts of Washington over the years. It’s one of the better programs operated by our state.”
The Department of Commerce is awarding more than $10.5 million in these block grants to 25 rural cities and counties in Washington in 2019. The grants and community partnerships are meant to improve rural water, sewer, streets, community facilities and fire protection systems; support affordable housing; and complete community planning.
The competitive grants are awarded annually and help Washington communities carry out priority local projects. Funding for the CDBGs comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which covers all or part of Adams, Asotin, Franklin, Garfield, Spokane and Whitman counties.