The Chronicle

     RIVERSIDE – Sen. John Smith, R-Colville, is applauding the town for its efforts to improve and protect water quality.
     A $50,000 loan was recently made to the town by the state Department of Ecology to aid in developing a wastewater-facility plan and an environmental review. This is the first step in the process before town officials are eligible to apply for loan or grant money to design and build a water treatment facility.
     “Access to an abundance of clean water is easily taken for granted,” Smith said. “Wastewater-treatment facilities are important to not only protect water quality, but to also protect our environment and quality of life in the 7th District. I am proud of Riverside for taking the initiative to pursue resources that will help make this new facility a reality for its residents.”
     Smith represents the 7th Legislative District, which includes Riverside and other areas of northern Okanogan County.
     Riverside’s small population allowed it to meet the criteria for a low-interest loan; the loan rate is reduced from 2.7 percent to 1.4 percent for five years and half of the loan – $25,000 – is in the form of forgivable principle, state officials said.
     The loan came from the Washington state water pollution-control revolving fund authorized under the federal Clean Water Act, officials said.