The cities of Richland and Prosser will get a helping hand from state to the tune of more than $10 million to improve their sewer systems while West Richland received money to help it recover from last December’s flooding. 

The financial aid originates from the state’s Public Works Board, which recently awarded $214 million in grants and low-interest loans to 65 local governments across the state. 

“The PWB provides communities with a funding partner that can help address immediate needs while also supporting long-term solutions and resilience,” said PWB vice chair Dean Reynolds, in a statement.  

Richland received a $9.2 million loan to improve the anaerobic digester at its wastewater treatment plant. Prosser received a $1.3 million loan as well as a $226,500 grant to improve the headworks of its sanitary sewer system. 

West Richland’s $1 million grant will be used to rebuild the only access road to its wastewater treatment plant. The project will lower portions of the road to allow flood waters to pass over it, rather than erode it from underneath.  

“We’re grateful to the Public Works Board and the Department of Commerce for investing in our community’s resilience,” said West Richland Mayor Fred Brink in a statement. “These improvements will help protect public health and the Yakima River during future floods.”