Lacey, Washington – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) secured $1,800,000 for Squaxin Island Tribe’s new water source for the federal Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2022. This timely and critical water access project will connect to their existing water system and help better serve the Tribe. With this round of federal funding, the final engineering and construction of the project can be completed.
“Access to water – and to clean water – is vital for any community’s success. This funding will provide the necessary investment so the Squaxin Island Tribe can provide more adequate water supply to their reservation,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “Thanks to community engagement, specifically with Tribal leaders, we are certain that this much-needed funding will support residents and Tribal lands throughout our community.”
We thank Congress and especially Representative Strickland for supporting such critical infrastructure for our people,” said Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman Kris Peters. “The $1.8 million will connect a water source that will assure the safety health and welfare of the tribe.”
Funding for the project will specifically go towards the final engineering and construction of connecting a new water source to the Squaxin Island Tribe water system, approximately 1.5 miles away. The Squaxin Island Tribe’s current clean water source is at capacity and diminishing every year. This water source allows for the Squaxin Island Tribe to maintain and build a thriving economy. This project will reap a great return for the region, providing new jobs while preserving existing jobs for families of surrounding counties.
This project is one of eight WA-10 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that were signed into law as part of H.R. 2471, the FY22 omnibus appropriations package. In total, Strickland secured $12.55 million for the South Sound to support pedestrian accessibility, transit-oriented development, housing, clean water, South Sound veterans, at-risk youth, Tribal nations, families, and workers.
U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.
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