'People need to get passionate about Puget Sound's cleanup,' Gregoire says

John Dodge, The Olympian | • Published August 06, 2006

Comments (0)

It remains to be seen whether there's public and political support for some new tax dedicated to Puget Sound.

One idea being tossed around is a so-called flush tax, which would require sewer customers and septic system owners in the Puget Sound basin to pay a surcharge each month that would go toward financing Puget Sound projects.

Maryland has a flush tax for water quality projects that amounts to $2.50 a month. When asked whether they are willing to pay more for Puget Sound cleanup, the majority of The Olympian readers who responded said "yes."

"I would be willing to pay my fair share to support restoration through taxes and fees," said Rob Penney, a South Sound resident who enjoys canoeing, kayaking and sailing on the Sound.

"When most people spend $3-$4 on a latte and $1.25 for Coke, or $1.50 for a bottle of water, it is ridiculous to think we can't afford to clean up Puget Sound," said James Boone, who lives in the Henderson Inlet watershed.

Others were just as strong in their opposition to new taxes.

"No, I am not willing to pay more taxes!" said Tootie Crowson of Olympia. "Why is that always the Democratic solution to every perceived problem?"

About 60 percent of the money spent on Puget Sound in the past two years was in the form of grants and loans for wastewater treatment plant improvements.

Protecting and restoring habitat garnered nearly 14 percent of the total, and stormwater projects ate up 11.7 percent.

The partnership has been unable to measure the total contributions from local governments or the private sector, said Cahill, of the state Office of Financial Management.

<< Previous page