Tag Archives: Clarkston

Schoesler supports supplemental capital budget passed by Legislature

State Sen. Mark Schoesler applauded the final version of the state supplemental capital budget unanimously approved by the Legislature March 6, just before lawmakers adjourned for the year.

“While this compromise version of the supplemental capital budget is not as strong in some areas as the version developed and approved by the Senate earlier in the session, it is still a good capital budget that will help communities across Washington, and address many important needs,” said Schoesler, who is the lead Republican capital budget writer in the Senate.

As was the case with the Senate version, the final capital budget funds many projects located in the 9th District, noted Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

Several 9th District school districts receive funding through the small district and tribal compact schools modernization program, including $5.245 million for a school repair project in the Asotin-Anatone School District. Other school districts receiving funding include Creston, Freeman, LaCrosse, Palouse, Pomeroy, Steptoe and Wilbur.

Washington State University’s main campus in Pullman receives $10 million for a new digester at the Knott Dairy Center, maker of Cougar Gold cheese, and $3 million for its campus energy program.

Eastern Washington University in Cheney receives nearly $10 million for energy improvements to its sports and recreation center.

Other local projects in the 9th District that are funded by the supplemental capital budget include:

  • Tristate Health Hospital in Clarkston ($1 million).
  • Tekoa Parks and Recreation ($200,000)
  • Davenport Senior Center capital improvements ($120,000)
  • Latah water system rehabilitation project ($187,000)
  • Regional Theatre of the Palouse (Pullman) preservation and maintenance ($77,000)

There also is $250,000 for a portion of the Odessa Pipeline project located in the 9th District.

The final capital budget funds several projects that are located near the 9th District:

  • $46 million for the Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick.
  • $5.5 million for the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program.
  • $3.5 million in toxic cleanup funding for homes affected by the Grays Road and Oregon wildfires in Spokane County last August, plus another $975,000 for the Spokane Conservation District to implement wildfire recovery efforts.

“The Odessa ground water project and the wildfire recovery projects were initiated in the Senate this year and the Senate insisted that these projects stay in the final capital budget. I’m pleased that we succeeded in keeping these projects in the budget,” said Schoesler.

The 2024 legislative session ended March 7.

Schoesler praises CERB grant, loan for Clarkston-Asotin broadband project

Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, is praising the state Community Economic Revitalization Board’s recent approval of funding for a rural broadband project benefiting Clarkston and Asotin.

During its March 21 meeting, the board chose to award a grant and loan, each in the amount of $207,285, for what is known as the Port of Clarkston to City of Asotin+ fiber expansion project.

“This is very good news for Clarkston and Asotin,” said Schoesler, whose 9th Legislative District includes both cities. “Rural broadband is as important in this century as telephone service was in the 20th century. Once this project is completed, it will really help residents and businesses in both communities.”

According to a letter from the CERB to Schoesler, the project consists of engineering and construction of approximately six miles of primarily aerial fiber. There are two build out components of the Southern expansion: Clarkston Heights to Asotin, and the Westside Expansion, Naslund Disposal Service to Field of Dreams. The CERB funds were matched by $138,190 in local resources.

The full letter from CERB to Schoesler can be viewed here.