The state supplemental capital budget passed by the Legislature this week addresses both statewide needs and local projects, says 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler, who worked with legislators from the Senate majority and House of Representatives to negotiate the final version of the budget.
“This is a true bipartisan capital budget in which Republicans and Democrats worked together for the good of Washington. It funds several projects in the 9th District, and also makes good use of one-time federal dollars by providing funding for housing projects that will help local governments and organizations like Habitat for Humanity to address the homelessness situation in several communities across our state,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “I’m pleased with it both from a local perspective and how it will help the state overall.”
The capital budget includes $440 million in funding for grants and loans for affordable housing, including $300 million for rapid housing.
The 9th District projects funded by the capital budget include:
- Tekoa Junior/Senior High School ($3.385 million)
- St. John School District ($2.459 million)
- Pullman Student Success Center Phase 1 project on Washington State University’s Pullman campus ($2 million)
- Port of Clarkston river-dredging project ($1.55 million)
- Whelan Community Building in Pullman ($153,000)
- Rimrock Grange renovation in Washtucna ($105,000)
Schoesler also ensured the capital budget update (Senate Bill 5651) funds a project in Almira, a Grant County community that will be in the 9th District after the state’s new legislative district boundaries take effect later this year. Nearly $13 million is included to help fund the replacement of Almira Elementary School, which burned down last year.
The House of Representatives unanimously approved a compromise version of the capital budget last night. The Senate this morning also unanimously passed the spending proposal, which funds construction of state buildings and higher-education facilities, as well as other state and local projects. The capital budget now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee for final consideration.