The Washington State Public Works Board has approved 4.9 million dollars in funding to support critical infrastructure projects in communities across the state, directing resources toward upgrades that local officials say are essential for public health, economic development and long-term resilience.

The newly awarded funds will assist cities, towns and special purpose districts with improvements to water systems, sewer facilities and other foundational public works assets.

Board officials stated that the grants and loans are designed to help local governments address aging infrastructure, regulatory requirements and growth-related pressures that might otherwise exceed municipal budgets.

Many smaller and rural jurisdictions rely on state-level financing to maintain compliance with environmental standards and ensure reliable delivery of drinking water and wastewater services.

The latest allocation aims to bridge funding gaps, particularly in communities with limited tax bases or constrained borrowing capacity.

Public Works Board representatives emphasized that modern, well-maintained infrastructure underpins economic vitality and public safety.

Investments in water and sewer systems, they noted, support housing development, business expansion and environmental protection by reducing system failures and improving operational efficiency.

Local leaders welcomed the funding, describing it as timely support amid rising construction costs and increasing demand for infrastructure upgrades.

Several projects included in the award cycle involve preliminary engineering and planning, enabling communities to move forward with larger capital improvements in subsequent phases.

The Public Works Board administers financial assistance programs that combine low-interest loans and grants to help local governments finance infrastructure improvements.

The board’s decisions reflect ongoing efforts by the state to ensure that essential public services remain reliable and sustainable as communities adapt to growth and environmental challenges.

Officials indicated that additional funding cycles are anticipated later in the year, as infrastructure modernization continues to rank among Washington’s top policy priorities.