The Washington state Department of Ecology has awarded nearly $1.8 million in grants and loans to the Spokane Conservation District for two Hangman Creek clean water projects.

In total, 19 clean water projects in counties throughout Eastern Washington received more than $23 million in grants and loans.

The projects at the Hangman Creek watershed are intended to improve water quality, according to Ecology’s website. 

The creek suffers from excessive sedimentation caused by both natural and man-made sources, which is degrading both the water quality and aquatic habitat and is increasing water-treatment costs. 

The funds will be used to restore 3,000 feet of stream, including stabilizing 1,425 feet of eroding stream bank, and to increase education and community outreach, according to the website. 

A representative of the Spokane Conservation District couldn’t be reached immediately for comment.

Other funded projects in Eastern Washington include:

•$1.7 million to upgrade treatment systems in the Lincoln County towns of Reardan, Creston, Odessa, and Almira.

•$2.9 million to the towns of Endicott, Garfield, Tekoa, and Oakesdale, as well as the Palouse Conservation District, in Whitman County.

•$328,500 to the towns of Newport and Metaline, in Pend Oreille County.

•$7 million to the city of College Place, in Walla Walla County, to design and construct a new regional lift station.

•$6.4 million to the city of Pasco to upgrade and expand the city’s wastewater treatment plant and its water reuse facility.

Altogether, Ecology awarded $216 million in grants and loans to 81 clean water projects statewide that it deemed as high-priority projects. 

The grants are intended for projects that will upgrade wastewater treatment and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and prevent and clean up pollution from diffuse sources throughout the state.

A press release from the department contends the awarded funds could support more than 2,300 jobs in communities across the state.

Vince McGowan, water quality program manager with Ecology, says in the release, “These projects are vital to support and protect our waters and our salmon across the state. I’m proud this funding will help generate jobs while ensuring Washingtonians have clean, safe water now and for future generations.”