OLYMPIA—The $3.9 billion state construction budget and $16 billion transportation plan will bring much-needed improvements and jobs to the 11th Legislative District.
“I am proud to get funding for the Sunset Neighborhood Park in the Renton highlands, which will be the centerpiece of renovation for this area,” Sen. Bob Hasegawa, D-Beacon Hill, said. “I am also pleased that we were able to secure over a billion dollars to ensure long overdue work is completed for I-405 though Renton and the Eastside.”
Up to 44,000 jobs will be created by the two-year new construction budget, which will construct schools, universities, parks and mental health facilities. The 16-year transportation package will create an estimated 100,000 jobs.
“These two budgets mean more than jobs for engineers and men and women in hard hats,” said Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton. “It means new elementary schools for our kids and greater use of STEM programs. It means hope for people stuck in traffic gridlock on 405 and more options if you want to take the bus or train to work. I’m proud to have voted for these budgets and happy we got this done for the people we represent.”
The construction budget will spend $1.6 billion on education, including $900 million for colleges and universities and $626 million to build elementary, middle and high schools, along with funding for Skill Centers and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). It also invests $200 million to build more K-3 classrooms to reduce class sizes as part of the McCleary court decision to fully fund public schools.
Local construction projects in the 11th District include:
- $1,750,000 for Sunset Neighborhood Park
- $654,000 for the Sea Mar Latino History and Cultural Center
- $2,789,000 for local community college improvements and repairs
Transportation projects in the 11th District include $1.225 billion for the I-167 interchange and I-405 corridor improvements, including widening from Renton to Lynnwood, $7 million for Lander Street and funding for Rapid Ride bus service.