Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This year’s transportation and capital budgets delivered transformative investments across our district. After years of advocacy, and despite this year’s transportation budget not including direct funding, the 42nd Ave. bridge has now been prioritized in next year’s supplemental transportation budget, a critical step forward for freight mobility, emergency access, and neighborhood connectivity.
We also secured $750,000 for improvements to the Grady Way overpass, supporting the expansion of the Rainier RapidRide BRT line. And we made big strides in sustainable transit, allocating $15 million to King County Metro’s South Base: $10 million to expand the South Annex Base to house 250 electric buses and $5 million to support electrification infrastructure throughout the system.
Building Healthy and Resilient Communities
The Capital Budget includes key investments in public health and community resilience. HealthPoint Tukwila received $1.03 million to expand dental services in an underserved area, ensuring more families can access affordable, quality care. The Griffin Campus project was awarded $2.5 million to create affordable housing for local youth, addressing both homelessness prevention and long-term housing security.
We further allocated over $14 million to Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health for facility modernization, bringing these essential services up to modern safety and accreditation standards.
Supporting Cultural and Community Infrastructure
Our budget also reflects a deep commitment to cultural preservation and neighborhood vitality. The Somali Community & Cultural Innovation Hub received $2.5 million to expand its footprint and deepen its impact. The Arc Legacy Center, a cornerstone for disability advocacy and services, was awarded $797,000 for critical updates. Additional investments include over $5 million for the Renton Legacy Square Project, Starfire Commons, and the Tukwila Health & Wellness Center—facilities that serve as hubs for housing, health, and social connection. Finally, we secured $2.5 million for Griffin Campus’ affordable housing project, which will create additional housing for young adults existing the foster care system.
A Vision for the Future
Together, these capital and transportation investments strengthen the foundations of a more equitable, connected, and thriving region. They reflect the priorities I hear from our neighbors every day: safer streets, stronger communities, and systems that serve everyone.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Olympia. Please continue to reach out to my office and share the issues that matter most to you. I look forward to continuing this important work together. This fall, I plan to host an upcoming mini-town hall. I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Bergquist