April 26, 2007

OLYMPIA – This year’s Spring showers are bringing with them a downfall of state dollars for new construction and transportation improvements – the infrastructure that can attract jobs and improve the quality of life in the region. 

The state House and Senate passed the Capital Budget, which contains nearly $51 million for projects in and around the 11th Legislative District.

As long-time advocates for some of the projects contained in the final budget, local lawmakers Bob Hasegawa (D – Seattle) and Zack Hudgins (D – Tukwila) were very pleased with the results.

“These investments in our community mean we’ll attract more high-paying jobs and citizens interested in enriching their communities,” said Hudgins. “Some of these public-private partnerships have been in the works for years. I’m very glad to see all of the hard work that went into those negotiations pay off.”    

“From transportation and sewer infrastructure projects to rebuilding our business district, the millions of dollars we’re investing will serve all of the people in the 11^th district,” said Hasegawa. “We’re helping our communities thrive by putting people to work and getting them family-wage jobs.”

The House capital budget includes funds for construction and improvements for myriad projects serving the communities directly in and around the 11th Legislative District, including:

 The Capital Budget also includes:

• $879 million for K-12 school construction assistance, which is a significant increase over last biennium.
• Over a billion dollars for new projects in Higher Education.
• $140 million for the Housing Trust Fund, which supports creation of affordable housing options throughout the state.
• Significant investments in parks and natural resources funding, including $100 million for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Project, and $114 million for the Trust Land Transfer program.  A separate $220 million is earmarked for Puget Sound and Salmon recovery efforts.
• $22.4 million for a new Community Development Fund which this year gives 18 grants to distressed communities for capital projects. These grants fund projects like community centers and clinics that deliver needed services to help underserved communities.
• $1.5 million for pre-design and design of expansions at the State Penitentiary and the McNeil Island Corrections Center.

For the complete Capital Budget details, please visit:

http://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/proposals.asp

# # #

Rep. Bob Hasegawa (360) 786-7862

Downloadable photo: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/Hasegawa.jpg

Rep. Zack Hudgins (360) 987-7956

Downloadable photo:

http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/hudgins.jpg

Staff contacts:

Lilia P. Nieto (360) 786-7375

nieto-torres.lilia@leg.wa.gov

James Paribello (360) 786-7843

paribello.james@leg.wa.gov

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