06.27.06

Cantwell Secures $400,000 for Lake Whatcom Water Storage

WASHINGTON, DC – Thursday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $400,000 she requested to supplement existing local efforts to address comprehensive storm water issues in the Lake Whatcom watershed and comply with existing and proposed state and federal storm water regulations. Specifically, the funds will help conduct and implement pilot work to reduce storm water impacts in the Cable Street/Geneva area of the Lake Whatcom watershed. Results of the work will then be used to identify and implement storm water actions in other areas of the watershed.

“Providing safe and sustainable supplies of water has been a priority for me since I joined the U.S. Senate,” said Cantwell. “The future of Lake Whatcom is at a critical point and this funding will help identify solutions to ensure that the lake remains a valuable, multi-purpose resource for the community for years to come.”

Lake Whatcom is the source of drinking water for the City of Bellingham, Water District 10, and about 250 homes on the lake. The lake provides water to over half of Whatcom County. Recently, the Lake Whatcom drinking water supply has been identified as threatened by phosphorous loading and a reduction of dissolved oxygen levels. Addressing these pollution issues will help ensure the long-term supply of clean water to the region.

“I appreciate Senator Cantwell’s efforts to secure this much needed funding that will help us protect the drinking water of tens of thousands of Whatcom County residents,” said Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen. “Adequate water supplies are critical for the health of our residents and for future economic growth in the area.”

Cantwell secured for the funds for Lake Whatcom following a meeting earlier this year with a delegation of Whatcom County residents, led by County Executive Pete Kremen.

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