March 20, 2007 

OLYMPIA – The state House introduced its Capital Budget for the 2007 biennium yesterday (March 19).  

“This budget will help build Seattle to meet the challenges of the new economy,” said Rep. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle). “From health care and higher education to parks and the arts, these investments will improve our quality of life today and build a great future for our kids.” 

Local projects include: 

• $1,070,000 to help renovate the Livingston-Baker building at the Pike Place Market, which houses a community medical clinic that delivers care to thousands of low-income and senior residents.

• $3 million for Children’s Hospital to create a new research center in South Lake Union focused on vaccines and immunity, childhood cancer, genetics and development, health services and behavioral research, neurosciences, developmental pharmacology and toxicology, and tissue and cell biology.

• $24.9 million for the Seattle Central Community College projects, including:
  • Edison North renovation
  • Maritime Academy repairs
  • Wood Construction center
  • Facility preservation

• $195.8 million for construction and renovations at the University of Washington, including:
  • Balmer Hall reconstruction
  • Clark Hall renovation
  • Computing & Communications Upgrades and Data Center
  • Denny Hall renovation
  • Health Sciences – H Wing
  • Interdisciplinary Academic building
  • Intermediate Student Service and Classroom Improvements
  • Lewis Hall renovation
  • Preventive facility maintenance and building system repairs
  • Savery Hall renovation

• $3.6 million to build, renovate or restore facilities for theater, gallery, exhibition and public art space.

• $618,250 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, Wallingford. The projects include various renovations such as new roof, gym floor, play area, kitchen and game room.

• $500,000 to redevelop a 12-acre park at South Lake Union.

Capital budget highlights also include: $879 million for K-12 school construction assistance, $140 million for the Housing Trust Fund, and $220 million for Puget Sound and Salmon recovery efforts. 

“This budget carries out our vision for Washington, to benefit the people all across our state,” said Speaker of the House, Frank Chopp (D-Seattle). “I’m very pleased with these investments because they reinforce that good schools and good jobs are the keys to improving our economy.” 

The House Capital Budget proposal will be considered in committee later this week.   

For the complete Capital Budget proposal, please visit:

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

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