WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Morris, Lytton deliver millions for local construction projects

OLYMPIA – Legislators passed the state’s capital budget last night, providing $4.3 billion in construction projects across the state, including $106 million for projects in San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Reps. Jeff Morris (D-Mt. Vernon) and Kristine Lytton (D-Anacortes) were instrumental in securing those funds, which will kick-start important projects in the 40th Legislative District.

“Capital budget investments build and repair critical projects and create thousands of jobs,” Morris said. “While all these projects are important, I’m particularly glad we’re replacing and upgrading WWU facilities, high schools, and elementary schools.”

Lytton joined Morris in praising the budget’s passage.

“As someone working on fully funding education over the years, building new schools is an absolute necessity. This capital budget provides great investments in our local schools, and a total of a billion dollars in school construction throughout the state,” Lytton said.

Lytton and Morris said they continued fighting to preserve Blanchard Mountain by including $10 million to “swap out” other working forest lands in the region for the Department of Natural Resource’s land in the Blanchard Forest.

Project highlights include:

Education

  • Mt. Vernon High School construction:  $19.1 million
  • Sehome High School replacement:  $15.4 million
  • Madison Elementary replacement:  $7.9 million
  • Lincoln Elementary replacement:  $7.1 million
  • Anacortes High School modernization:  $3.1 million
  • Lopez Island schools:  $1.8 million
  • Western Washington University:  $24.8 million
  • Skagit Valley College maint./repair:  $2.8 million

Conservation/Community projects

  • Blanchard Mtn. protection:  $10 million
  • Skagit Valley YMCA:  $3.5 million

Total all projects 40th LD:  $106 million

Overall, the capital budget invests $4.3 billion across the state and will create tens of thousands of jobs over the next four years. Schools, parks, community centers, clean air and water systems, corrections facilities, hospitals, clinics, housing and higher education projects are just a sampling of what the budget creates for the public and for economic development.