Pettigrew praises local projects funded by three state budgets

March 26, 2007

OLYMPIA – Community organizations and programs serving the diverse 37th Legislative District will benefit from funding in the House of Representatives’ capital, operating, and transportation budgets.

“These budgets help build a better Washington for our kids, grandkids and families,” said Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle). “I’m proud and excited that we’re breaking the state record for building new schools and putting more than a billion into building colleges and universities.”

Youth programs, cultural museums, assisted living homes, neighborhood revitalization programs and resource centers would be among the recipients of more than $13.3 million earmarked for the 37th District.

The district, which includes southeast Seattle and part of Renton, would also benefit from more than $200 million in major road and transportation projects listed in the $7.4 billion Transportation Budget. The spending plan also includes funding for design work to address immediate safety concerns on the Alaska Way Viaduct.

The total House Capital budget includes $879 million for K-12 school construction assistance statewide, $140 million for the Housing Trust Fund and $220 million for Puget Sound and salmon recovery efforts.

Under the Capital proposal, the more than $13.3 million allocated to the 37th District would go to develop or enhance museum projects and cultural center industry:

• Northwest African American Museum - $650,000
• Boys & Girls Clubs of King County (Rainier Vista) - $800,000
• Seattle Children's Play Garden - $332,000
• Asian Counseling and Referral Service - $3 million
• Divine Alternatives for Dads Services (DADS) Center - $10,000
• El Centro de la Raza Center - $821,000
• Nisei Veterans Committee -$382,000
• African Chamber of Commerce - $100,000

These road and transportation projects located in or running through the 37th District would receive funding under the Transportation Budget:

• Mt. Baker Ridge Viewpoint - $175,000
• I-5/South Seattle Northbound Viaduct (bridge paving) - $13.1 million
• I-90 Two Way Transit and HOV improvements - $36.7 million
• State Route 167 HOT Lanes (pilot project) - $12.7 million

The operating budget also includes funding important to the district, including:

• Grandparents raising grandchildren - $800,000
• Housing teens aging out of the foster care system - $1 million
• For non-profits to produce affordable housing - $800,000

For the complete Capital Budget proposal, go online to:

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

For the complete Transportation Budget proposal, please visit:

http://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/2007/th0709p.asp