For More Information: Larry Phillips  (206) 296-1004

A vote today by the Metropolitan King County Council ensures that wastewater rates in the King County area will remain stable for the next two years. The legislation approved by the Council maintains the current wastewater rate of $23.40 through 2004.

“King County has a long standing policy of holding wastewater rates stable to benefit our ratepayers, and we are continuing that policy,” said Budget and Fiscal Management Committee Chair Larry Phillips. “We have had some unexpected costs beyond our control recently, but some of those problems are now behind us.”

Soaring energy costs drove up Northwest power rates, and the cost of operating the regional wastewater system. In addition to higher costs, King County was faced with the possibility of receiving a lower bond rating. Even a minimal drop in a municipality’s bond rating could result in millions of dollars more in interest payments over the life of a bond.

“One thing we will not do is see our bond rating lowered,” said Phillips. “Not on my watch.”

The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is currently proceeding with planning and constructing a new third wastewater treatment plant serving the North King and South Snohomish County area. In addition, the agency is currently constructing the Denny Way Combined Sewer Overflow project, which when completed, would virtually eliminate untreated sewage overflows into Elliott Bay during heavy rainfalls. Other projects in the pipeline include expanding the County’s current water reuse system to reduce the use of fresh water, and improving efficiency and capacity with the current regional wastewater system.

- End -