Washington House Democrats

Capital budget invests in Clark County projects

March 7, 2006

OLYMPIA—The Legislature today agreed on a 2006 capital budget that invests approximately $17.45 million in Clark County projects, including no- or low-interest loans for water, road and sewer improvements, the State Patrol Crime Lab, and other projects.

“These projects help our quality of life by improving public safety,” said Rep. Jim Moeller (D-Vancouver).

“All of Clark County and southwest Washington will gain from smart investments in public infrastructure, the Crime Lab, and Lewis and Clark Confluence, among others,” said Rep. Bill Fromhold (D-Vancouver).

"Our communities receive many benefits from the Public Works Fund and other key investments: good jobs, better water and sewer lines, ballfields for kids, and less stress on local government budgets," said Rep. Deb Wallace (D-Vancouver).

The capital budget approves money for the construction and repair of public buildings, other long-term investments, and housing, and cultural and heritage facilities.

Some of the key investments come from the Public Works Trust Fund, which gives loans to local government for repair, replacement, or improvement of bridges, roads, water and sewage systems, and solid waste and recycling facilities.

Four projects in Clark County were approved for the 2006 Public Works Fund:

1. Vancouver – Road improvements on NE 138th Ave. and NE 18th St-NE 28th St. $2.2 million from 2006 Public Works fund, $5,826,000 in other revenue The project will improve approximately 5,000 feet to four lanes with center left turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalks, and street lighting. It will increase capacity and safety, with a goal of reducing accidents by 50 percent in the first two years.

2. Clark Public Utilities – Water system improvements $5,087,250 from 2006 Public Works fund, $897,750 in local revenue The project will construct a 1,000-gallon per minute water supply well, build a 300,000 gallon reservoir, install a 500-gallon per minute booster station, and replace approximately 90,000 feet of water line. This will accommodate a year of growth and reduce water losses by about 50,000 gallons per day.

3. Battle Ground – Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, phase 4 expansion: $4 million from 2006 Public Works fund, $56,252,000 in earlier Public Works funds and other revenue The project includes treatment plant upgrades and construction of a new five-million gallon a day sewer pump system. The improvements will be constructed to handle future pumping needs through a 30-year planning period.

4. Washougal – Sewer pump station #4 $2,070,000 from 2006 Public Works fund, $230,000 from other revenues The project will replace sewer lines, eliminate sewer capacity restrictions and provide necessary sewer capacity to serve 20-year projected growth.

Other local investments in the 2006 capital budget include:

• Washington State Patrol Vancouver Crime Lab Phase 2 – $2,940,000
• Miracle League Baseball Field for People with Disabilities – $57,000
• Environmental permit streamlining project for Clark County – $200,000
• School for the Blind – Campus Preservation – $200,000
• School for the Deaf – Preservation – $200,000
• Lewis and Clark Confluence Project – $500,000

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For more information:
2006 Capital Budget:
http://www1.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/CB/2006budget.htm
Public Works Board website:
http://www.pwb.wa.gov/

For interviews:

Rep. Bill Fromhold, (360) 786-7924, fromhold.bill@leg.wa.gov or http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/fromhold

Rep. Jim Moeller, (360) 786-7872, moeller.jim@leg.wa.gov or http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/moeller Rep.

Deb Wallace, (360) 786-7976, wallace.deb@leg.wa.gov or http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/wallace

Staff Contact: Larry Clark, (360) 786-7214 – clark.larry@leg,wa.gov

Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.