Washington County Low-Interest Loan Program Gets National Nod

Washington County’s Department of Public Health and Environment, an accredited health department, received a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for its Septic System Low Interest Loan Program.

The award was presented July 24 during the NACo Achievement Awards luncheon in Long Beach, California.

The program launched in April 2014 as a way for Washington County property owners to obtain low interest loans to replace their non-compliant or failing septic systems. A majority of county residents have municipal sewer service, but about 20 percent rely on septic systems.

Non-compliant septic systems are a concern because replacement is costly, and the faulty systems can create groundwater pollution. Groundwater provides the drinking water for 100 percent of Washington County residents.

The program tapped into existing state funding, removed a financial barrier, and filled a gap for residents. The county partnered with several other agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA), and the Washington Conservation District, to roll out the program.

Low interest loans are made with no income or asset restrictions and the county’s CDA assists with administration of the program. With a secure, streamlined process, it takes about 10 days for a resident to get a loan.

Entering its third year, 26 loans have been distributed through the program with nearly $389,000 disbursed.