State awards $350,000 for emergency repairs to Bear Mountain Water District

CHELAN — The Washington State Public Works Board has approved a $350,000 low-interest emergency loan to help restore reliable drinking water service and fire protection for more than 140 homes served by Bear Mountain Water District after critical infrastructure was damaged by flooding earlier this year.

The district declared an emergency in May after fractured water lines flooded a vault housing booster pumps, fire flow pumps, motors and electronic control equipment. The flooding caused a catastrophic failure of the system, disrupting potable water service and fire protection for residents served by the small rural water district.

Bear Mountain Water District Manager Ben Behrle said the state funding was essential because the district's small customer base left it unable to absorb the unexpected cost of replacing critical infrastructure through its existing operating budget.

"Almost non-existent commercial lending options make PWB emergency funding absolutely essential for our project," Behrle said. "This cannot be funded through existing operating revenues without jeopardizing other essential services because the district maintains a small rural system with a limited rate base and no ability to absorb a sudden capital expenditure of this magnitude."

The project will replace two damaged potable water booster pumps and the failed fire flow pump while relocating electrical and control equipment outside the underground vault to protect it from future flooding. The improvements are expected to strengthen the system's reliability, reduce the risk of future service interruptions and improve long-term fire protection for residents.

"Support of the Bear Mountain Water District provides another great example of the value that the Public Works Board brings to communities across Washington," said Justin Clary, chair of the board's Traditional Committee.

The Public Works Board's emergency funding program provides loans of up to $1 million for urgent public infrastructure repairs. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, about $7.15 million remains available through the remainder of the 2025-27 biennium.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media