Pierce County is accepting applications for individuals or projects that need assistance connecting to the sewer system.

This help is to available residents and projects located in Public Works and Utilities’ Sewer Service Area, a 117-square-mile basin serving the urbanized incorporated and unincorporated areas of Pierce County. Public Works and Utilities collects wastewater for 35 percent of this service area.

Assistance is provided through the Sewer Connection Fund, an award in the form of matching project funding. The fund was established in 2007 to connect properties to the sewer system to alleviate and/or correct health and safety issues derived from areas of failing septic systems for single family residences. The program was expanded to promote economic development, both public and private, for creation of new permanent jobs, and to address any affected water body in the county’s sewer service area listed in the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list as impaired.

Applications for commercial projects are accepted March 31 to May 23, while applications for single family residential units are taken year-around. Funds are distributed through a rating system. This rating system looks at economic means, acres served, jobs created, and health and safety improvements.

Visit the Pierce County website for additional information about the Sewer Connection Fund or to fill out an application.