In a 97-1 vote Sunday, the Washington State Legislature approved the 2019-21 capital budget. Also known as the state’s construction budget, the $4.9 billion spending plan makes key investments in mental and behavioral health facilities, K-12 school construction, higher education facilities, low-income housing, fish and wildlife preservation, local community projects, and more.
Tenth District Reps. Norma Smith and Dave Paul worked to secure nearly $28.5 million in local project funding. Some of the investments include:
- Grants for the Oak Harbor Tri-County Behavioral Health Center – $1 million
- Skagit County Sheriff Emergency Communication System – $1 million
- Coupeville Boys and Girls Club – $849,000
- Oak Harbor Boys and Girls Club – $743,000
- La Conner Regional Library improvements – $720,000
- Wiley Slough Dike Repair – $3.9 million
- Samish Hatchery improvements – $7.7 million
- Local estuary and salmon restoration projects – $1.2 million
- Preservation of Ebey’s National Historic Reserve – $1 million
- Camp Korey Youth Recreational Facilities Grant – $545,000
- Oak Harbor Marina – $400,000
- Three Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program farm preservation projects – $810,000
The capital budget also invests $50 million in the state parks system for projects like the Bowman Pier restoration project at Deception Pass State Park.
“Along with record investments in mental and behavioral health infrastructure, as well as increased funding for K-12 school construction, higher education facilities, low-income housing, natural resources and more, this budget makes critical investments in our 10th District communities,” said Smith, R-Clinton, who serves as the assistant ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee. “I’ve spent much of the past several months in negotiations on this budget, and can truly say it’s the best capital budget we’ve produced in my time as a state representative. It will make a tremendous difference for many people in our local communities and around the state.”
“These are important investments in our communities that protect natural resources, support first responders, and expand recreational opportunities throughout Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties,” said Paul, D-Oak Harbor. “We have great quality of life in our part of Washington; this budget invests in strengthening that way of life.”
For a full list of projects funded in the 10th District, visit http://fiscal.wa.gov/BudgetCProjList.aspx and select “10th Legislative District.”
The 2019-21 capital budget now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.