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Mountlake Terrace wins $4.71 million Ecology award to treat stormwater at 220th and 70th
Summary
City staff said a Department of Ecology award totaling $4,710,000 (CWSRF + SFAP) will pay for stormwater treatment at the 220th/70th business park, treating roughly 32 acres of impervious surface (about 70 acres total drainage) with construction expected in 2027 and minimal net city cost if loan conditions are met.
City staff told the council that the Washington State Department of Ecology placed Mountlake Terrace on the final funding list for a water‑quality project at 220th and 70th SW, awarding $4,710,000 in combined funds to design and construct treatment facilities.
Patrick, an environmental‑programs staff member, said the award is split between the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)—a forgivable principal loan that can cover the SFAP match—and the State Financial Assistance Program (SFAP). He gave the dollar breakout as about $3,831,000 from CWSRF and $879,601 from SFAP. “So with the grant, the estimated cost to the city would be $0,” Patrick said, noting loan conditions must be met to avoid principal repayment.
The project will route stormwater from a business‑park drainage area through four large filter vaults that treat a targeted 32 acres of impervious surface and about 70 acres of total drainage into Hall Creek and ultimately Lake Ballinger. Staff estimate construction would begin in spring 2027 and finish in late summer or fall of that year, with Jacobs Engineering under contract for design and construction management.
Council members pressed staff on pedestrian and business impacts during construction and on maintenance costs for the filtration media. Patrick said ADA‑required crossing upgrades will be included where the project affects crosswalks, and that the top mulch/coir layer will typically need refreshing every six months to a year while the underlying media may last roughly 10–15 years; he said he would provide a concrete life‑span figure when the project returns for formal authorization.
The project will require quarterly progress reporting, fair‑wage reporting, outreach to disadvantaged business enterprises, and more extensive environmental and cultural resource review because part of the funding passes through federal EPA dollars. Staff said they will return with a negotiated loan agreement and a council resolution that will authorize the city manager to accept the funds once terms are finalized.
If accepted under the current terms, the combination of forgivable principal and SFAP funding would leave no direct construction cost to the city, according to staff estimates. The council did not take a vote on the grant at this meeting; staff requested council feedback and said they will return with the formal resolution and loan documents.
