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METALINE FALLS – Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County (PUD) has been awarded $1 million in funding – $500,000 in grants and $500,000 in low-interest loans – from the Washington State Public Works Board to address critical infrastructure needs in Metaline Falls. The funding will support the Metaline Falls Transmission Line Project, which includes replacing a failed drinking water main and stabilizing the steep hillside where the line is located.
Two sections of aging water mains ruptured on a steep hillside on Oct. 17, causing a catastrophic failure that left 200 water customers without service for nine hours. The rupture caused 3,000 gallons of water per minute to flow downhill, destabilizing the hillside and washing debris onto Highway 31. Temporary bypass lines restored minimal water service but remain insufficient for fire protection or longterm reliability.
“This grant and loan are a lifeline for our community,” said John Janney, General Manager of the PUD. “This funding will allow us to take critical steps to restore reliable water service, protect public safety, and support the local economy.”
The funding will be used to: Install a durable 12-inch pipe to replace the failed hillside section; replace the remaining sections of the aging waterline; implement erosion control measures to stabilize the hillside, and safeguard Highway 31, a vital transportation route near the Canadian border.
“Without this funding, the risks to our residents, local businesses, and critical infrastructure would continue to grow,” Janney said. “We thank the Public Works Board for their urgency in approving this emergency funding and we are committed to working quickly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who relies on this system.”
The PUD is working closely with funding partners to finalize the terms of the loan in a way that minimizes financial impacts on Metaline Falls residents, who rely on this vital infrastructure.
“We recognize that affordability is a priority for this community,” Janney added. “We’re working towards making sure these repairs are completed without placing undue financial strain on our customers.”
The project is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
