BLAINE, Wash. — According to an October 29, 2026, press release from the Birch Bay Water & Sewer District (BBWSD), the district received a $2.56 million construction loan through the Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) FY2027 Traditional Program.
The loan will fund 2 water system projects. The 1st project replaces approximately 4,050 feet of asbestos cement water main along Anderson Road with ductile iron pipe. The 2nd project installs approximately 900 feet of 12-inch transmission main along Blaine Road to connect existing mains and direct water to Kickerville Reservoir. Fire hydrants will also be installed or upgraded to meet fire flow requirements.
According to BBWSD, the Anderson Road line is over 50 years old and required 6 repairs in the past 3 years. District staff determined the pipe reached the end of its service life. The replacement ductile iron pipe has an estimated service life of 100 years.
According to PWB meeting records from October 2, 2026, 7 water and sewer districts statewide received awards totaling $28.1 million during this funding cycle.
The award marks the 4th PWB loan received by BBWSD. The 4 loans total approximately $6 million in principal. District officials estimated the PWB loan terms will save ratepayers approximately $2 million in interest compared to financing through traditional bonded debt at approximately 5% interest.
BBWSD was established in 1976 and provides water and sewer service to more than 8,000 connections in Birch Bay. The district employs 15 full-time staff, operates on an annual budget of approximately $12 million, and is governed by a 3-member elected Board of Commissioners.
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It would be good to know when this will take place and what affect it we have on service, if any.