House-approved supplemental operating budget includes $175,000 for Marine Science Center education programs

Appleton-sponsored amendment boosts total by $100,000

February 25, 2008

Olympia -- An amendment offered by state Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-23rd) succeeded in more-than doubling the amount allotted to the Poulsbo Marine Science Center in the House budget that was approved Monday afternoon. 

Prior to the floor vote, Appleton had convinced House budget-writers to add $100,000 in this year's supplemental operating budget to stretch the $75,000 that was included for the newly revitalized center in last year's budget.   The amendment that made the increase official was one of only a handful that were approved Monday out of 37 submitted, bringing the Marine Science Center's potential state funding for the current biennium to $175,000.

"I'm very happy that my colleagues agreed to this request," Appleton said afterward.  "So many people in our community have worked so hard to get the Poulsbo Marine Science Center reincarnated as a prime educational and tourism resource, and I know they'll put every dollar to good use."

Appleton said the dollars will go to provide hands-on learning in marine science and math for children from 14 area school districts.  As for tourism, she said, the center itself can expect additional revenue from visitors, as can many of the retail and service businesses in downtown Poulsbo.

The House's amended supplemental operating budget leaves a rainy day reserve of $750 million.  The Senate is expected to release its own budget proposal Tuesday.  The two chambers have until March 13 to deliver an agreed-upon spending plan to Gov. Chris Gregoire.