Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Kent are the recipients of grants from the state Department of Ecology that will help them comply with federal regulations regarding toxic runoff from streets and other surfaces.

Each city will each receive $50,000 that can be applied toward anything from equipment purchase and storm drain cleaning to public education and outreach.

Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D- Des Moines), who chairs the state House Ecology and Parks Committee, says the timing of the awards couldn't be better.

"Toxic runoff is one of the major causes of pollution to Puget Sound," Upthegrove said. "Research clearly shows it is a threat both to drinking water and marine life.

"These grants will help communities that are already operating on lean budgets still meet federal requirements to address this very serious environmental health issue."

About 14 million pounds of toxic pollutants - including petroleum, pesticides, and heavy metals - enter Puget Sound each year, according to Ecology staffers. This constant influx of hazardous substances kills fish, closes beaches to swimming, and threatens drinking water supplies.

It imperils the region's economy, not only because of the state's reliance on water resources, but because cash-strapped municipalities lack sufficient funding to pay for cleanup efforts, they noted.

All four cities plan to use part of the grant money for detection of pollutants within their stormwater systems. Public education efforts will also be undertaken, to help teach people how they can help prevent toxic runoff from their homes and businesses.

"The clock is ticking for us to save Puget Sound, and how cities deal with toxic runoff is going to determine whether or not we'll be successful," Upthegrove said. "This extra boost in state funds will help these communities move forward with pollution prevention efforts."