County Council secures funding for Ballard Siphon upgrade

January 18, 2011

Summary

Construction slated to begin this year

Story

Eager to upgrade the 75year-old wooden sewer pipe in the Ballard/Interbay area that conveys up to 60 million gallons of wastewater per day toward the West Point Treatment Plant, the Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for loan financing for construction costs of the project, known as the Ballard Siphon.

“The County was able to use our strong credit rating to secure a low rate loan that will allow the Ballard Siphon to be upgraded while saving money for ratepayers, creating jobs, reducing sewer overflows, and improving water quality,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, who represents Ballard on the County Council. “This really is a win-win for people living in the Ballard area and for the entire county.”

The Ballard Siphon project was initiated in 2006 to rehabilitate and upgrade the pipe after deformation and fatigue were detected. When complete, the project will reduce sewer overflows, helping to protect water quality in the Ship Canal and Salmon Bay.

The Council approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for $20 million in loan financing at 2.8 percent interest with a term of 20 years for construction costs of the Ballard Siphon project. It will save the County an estimated $26.9 million in interest compared to conventional bond financing.