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Tumwater committee backs $5.25 million sewer extension loan to reduce septic pollution on Prosper Road
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Summary
The committee recommended placing resolution R2026-005 on the May 5 consent calendar to accept a $5.25 million low-interest loan from the Department of Ecology for the Prosper Road sewer extension, a project staff said would serve roughly 32 parcels, address coliform and nitrogen hotspots in Percival Creek and support a future septic-to-sewer program.
Todd, a city staff presenter, told the committee the Prosper Road Sewer Extension project seeks authority to accept a Water Quality Combined Financial Assistance Agreement from the Washington Department of Ecology. He said the loan award is $5,250,000 at an interest rate of 2.7% with a 30-year term and that the project would extend sewer infrastructure to about 32 parcels along Prosper Road to reduce fecal coliform and total nitrogen contributions to Percival Creek, a tributary linked to TMDL concerns.
Todd described the project’s planning context: the proposed sewer would extend west along Prosper Road and had been identified in the general sewer plan and a regional urban septic assessment done with Thurston County and neighboring jurisdictions. The city has secured or is negotiating design contracts (Grama Osborne for design; Corolla Engineering to update the general sewer plan) and expects to complete design in 2026 with construction targeted for completion in 2028.
Todd said the project will provide sewer availability for existing residents and businesses along the route; he noted the city is also reviewing sewer-code policies that would address connection requirements when septic systems fail and possible incentives for early adopters. The project ranked 32nd among 155 applicants for Department of Ecology funding in 2025, Todd said.
The committee moved, seconded and approved recommending placement of resolution R2026-005 on the May 5 council consent calendar with a recommendation to adopt. The committee discussion emphasized coordination of engineering, the project’s role in addressing code-enforcement and aging septic systems, and the potential need for policy packages to support conversion and connection.
