WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

State Representative Roger Freeman brings home $2.6 million for jobs

Construction projects

OLYMPIA — The 2013 legislative session that went in to double overtime seemed like it just might run right in to 2014.  Yet by June 29, the legislature pulled together and produced an operating budget and a construction budget. Thanks to the hard work of Rep. Roger Freeman, both budgets were big winners for the people Federal Way, Milton, and Algona.

“The good quality of life in the 30th district is about to get even better,” said Rep. Roger Freeman, D-Federal Way, pointing out the $2.6 million in construction projects in the state’s capital budget.

The City of Federal Way will receive $2 million towards the Performing Arts and Conference Center in the downtown business core.  The center will be a versatile space, with 8,000 square feet of public meeting space for conferences, events and community meetings, as well as a theater seating up to 700. The project is currently in the design and budget phase which will be completed by December 2014.  The Performing Arts and Conference Center is expected to open in 2016.  

Once completed, community cultural events can be hosted locally rather than in other towns, which will greatly enrich the cultural life of the City. It will also generate new jobs and create a demand for goods and services downtown. 

“This performing arts center will be a cornerstone for downtown, and it will help transform Federal Way into a key urban center,” Freeman said. “It will be a point of community pride.”

Freeman also procured capital budget funding for three more projects:

  • The City of Algona will receive $125,000 to help build a community center that houses senior and youth programs that can be rented and used for educational, cultural, and recreational services. Way to win on strengthening community. 
  • The City of Milton will receive $250,000 for the Senior/Activity Center and Police Department for important repairs for the aging building including ADA and Fire Code updates. These improvements will ensure the building’s continued safe and enjoyable use for years to come.
  • Finally, Triangle Park in Milton, a community hotspot where the city festival, local sporting events, gardens and recreation occur, will receive $225,000 for important disability updates to ensure all residents can participate in park activities comfortably.  Improvements include restroom facilities, ADA compliant surfaces and pathways.