Senator Patty Murray announced today that she has secured $750,000 to support the Port of Walla Walla’s efforts to construct a water project near Burbank. While the Port of Walla Walla will provide the majority of the funding necessary to develop a new public water system, these funds will help supplement those efforts.

“This funding will help bring clean, potable water to the residents of Burbank, and will help create new jobs in this small rural community,” Senator Murray said. "I'm proud to help ensure that the federal government will be a strong partner in this important effort.

Small water utilities have had difficulties providing clean, potable water to the 3,300 residents of Burbank. The Washington State Department of Health has cited three Burbank water systems for being out of compliance with minimum standards for nitrates and fluorides.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $5 million. This new water system will allow for the development of a 158-acre light industrial park in Burbank.