OLYMPIA – – The Legislature passed the state’s Capital Budget proposal on Sunday, April 28, with a bi-partisan vote of 97-1. This budget, also known as the Construction Budget, makes key investments in early learning facilities, local community projects, state parks, conservation projects and supportive service buildings.
The Capital Budget allocates $309 million for mental and behavioral health facility construction projects and $1.1 billion to build public schools, including $43 million for rural and distressed schools.
The final Capital Budget also allocates over $34 million to the 5th District for local projects including:
- $8.2 for construction and repairs at the Fire Training Academy Burn Building.
- $3 million for the Issaquah Opportunity Center in central Issaquah, which helps low-income residents, get back on their feet.
- $2.6 million for maintenance at Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area.
- Nearly $2.6 million for removal of fish barriers in the district.
- $2 million for expansion of Encompass Northwest, which assists families with early learning, pediatric therapy, and family enrichment.
- $412,000 to support the Snoqualmie Valley Youth Activities Center.
- $400,000 for a pilot project to clean up certain chemicals used in firefighting (PFAS) that have seeped into drinking water.
- $250,000 to strengthen the South Fork Snoqualmie Levee System, to reduce the duration of flooding in North Bend.
- $229,000 to restore the last surviving Puget Sound Electric Railway Interurban at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie.
- $200,000 for parking improvements at Lake Wilderness Park.
- $154,000 for infrastructure development to attract business investment at the legacy site in Maple Valley.
- $113,000 for updates to the interactive educational exhibits at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.
- $102,000 for the new Maple Valley Veterans Memorial.
“This budget makes important investments in early learning, affordable housing, healthcare facilities, parks and trails, clean water, and community infrastructure,” said Rep. Lisa Callan (D-Issaquah), who serves on the House Capital Budget Committee. “These types of projects are vital to the well-being of our communities. They were a priority for me and something I worked hard to secure. I am thrilled to see these projects that span 5th LD in the final budget.”
“Local construction projects help build facilities to support our neighbors, honor our veterans, and provide learning opportunities for our kids,” said Rep. Bill Ramos (D-Issaquah). “These projects are also good for our local economy. It is good to see these investments in the final version of the budget”
The Capital Budget now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. Find out more at fiscal.wa.gov.