WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Stanford leads work toward crucial public-works funding

“State support for local public-works projects dropped off a cliff last year, derailing projects for cities, counties, and ports all over our state,” Rep. Derek Stanford said today. “This lack of appropriate support has halted projects that are critical to public health and job growth. We need to fix this.”

Stanford is prime sponsor of a legislative proposal (House Bill 2244) to restore funds to the state’s capital budget for urgently needed public-works projects.

His measure received its first public hearing yesterday (Thursday, Jan. 30) in the House Capital Budget Committee. Councilmembers from cities across the state signed in to support the bill.

“This measure opens the door to thousands of jobs in our state – both the immediate construction jobs and the long-term benefits that come from reliable public utilities,” said Stanford. As vice-chair of the Capital Budget Committee, Stanford has experience working with local governments to improve their communities.

“Further erosion in key programs such as the Public Works Assistance Account could irreparably damage our infrastructure system,” said Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen. “Cities and towns really are the tip of the spear in providing public services, but we need tools to be as effective as possible.”

The Kirkland mayor added that “Representative Stanford has been a staunch supporter of cities in his 1st Legislative District, and we greatly appreciate it.”

For 30 years, the state has supported local priorities by offering loans to local jurisdictions through the Public Works Assistance Account. As the loans are repaid, the money goes back into the account. There has never been a default in the program.

Stanford’s legislation restores the public-works program. The bill also highlights the need to increase funding for school construction.

“As we work our way out of the Great Recession, we are building the foundation for the future health of our communities and businesses,” Stanford said. “We can’t wait; we need to move forward now.”