U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier visited North Bend on Nov. 29 as part of a districtwide tour to support the passage of the $1.2 trillion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Schrier, a Democrat who represents Washington’s 8th Congressional District, was given a tour of North Bend’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is in phase 2 of a modernization project.

“[This] is an example of the type of project that would benefit from funding in the bipartisan infrastructure law,” Schrier wrote in a tweet.

The city said the plant’s improvement is part of a $35 million, multi-year investment to decrease odor, double treatment capacity, improve employee safety and comply with stricter state environmental standards to protect the Snoqualmie River.

“The modernized and expanded plant will benefit not only North Bend residents, but our surrounding natural environment,” said city Public Works Director Mark Rigos.

As part of her tour, Schrier has visited Auburn Way South to look at traffic and safety upgrades and Sammamish to look at a PFAS removal project.

The bipartisan infrastructure bill was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Nov. 15, and is expected to deliver an estimated $8.6 billion to Washington state. The funding is is expected to create jobs and improve a range of infrastructure, such as roads and highways and bridges. The bill is also expected to provide greater access to broadband, safe drinking water and public transportation.

In a press release, The White House called the bill the biggest investment in repairing the nation’s infrastructure since the construction of the interstate highway system.

“I’m proud to pass this historic bipartisan infrastructure and jobs bill, and secure funding for very necessary investments in communities throughout Washington,” Schrier said. “This bill will help create jobs in the 8th Congressional District and strength our economy by investing in resilient, 21st century infrastructure.”

U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-08) (left) speaks with North Bend Waste Water Treatment Plant Manager Jeff Leamon (right-front), alongside Public Works director, Mark Rigos (left-back) and Plant Engineer Don DeBerg (right-back). Courtesy of the City of North Bend.