House debuts Transportation and Capital Budgets

Kitsap County secures millions in local projects

Olympia – As lawmakers near the final stretch of the 2007 session, their biggest tasks of the year come due – passing new biennial budgets.

On Monday, the House unveiled its Capital and Transportation budget plans for the 2007-09. The proposals, which serve as the State’s chief construction funds focus on road construction, ferries and local community projects across the state.

“I am very pleased with the results of both of these budgets,” said Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo). “This is a solid investment that will help improve the quality of life on the Kitsap Peninsula and create much needed jobs.”

“We worked hard to not only secure new projects but to keep all of the funding commitments from previous budgets,” said Rep. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island). “Most importantly we were able to freeze ferry fare increases in the transportation budget at current rates instead of the 4 percent recommended by the Transportation Commission – riders shouldn’t have to pay for the system’s mistakes.”

The proposed $7.4 billion transportation budget maintains all funding commitments for the 432 projects funded in the 2003 and 2005 transportation packages. Included are funds to freeze ferry fares and funding for half-priced tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the first year of collection for transponder users.

“Ferry riders should be happy with this budget,” Appleton said. “We fought hard to put fare increases on hold until the ferry system straightens itself out – I think this was a big win for Kitsap.”

Appleton and Rolfes also noted funding in the Safe Routes to School program that would provide funding for sidewalks around Suquamish Elementary and continued funding for safety improvements and construction along SR-104, SR-305, SR-3, and the Hood Canal Bridge.

Capital budget highlights include: $879 million for K-12 school construction assistance, $140 million for the Housing Trust Fund, $220 million for Puget Sound and Salmon recovery efforts, and $1.5 million for pre-design and design of expansions at the State Penitentiary and the McNeil Island Corrections Center.

Locally projects include:

• $5 million for Bremerton Downtown Economic Revitalization Projects

• $900,000 for the KCR Bremerton Community Services Center

• $550,000 for the Suquamish Longhouse

• $1 million for the Suquamish Museum & Arts Center

• $69,600 for Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation

Local Parks

• $300,000 for Battle Point Park Development

• $500,000 for the Kingston Village Green

• $1,075,000 for the Miller Lake Acquisition

• $39.7 million for facility upgrades and maintenance at Olympic College

• $1 million for the Island Wood Environmental Learning Center

• $100,000 for the Poulsbo Marine Science Center Floating Classroom

“Programs such as the Island Wood Environmental and Poulsbo Marine Science Centers will help educate our children on the importance of the Puget Sound,” Rolfes said. “This budget is a reflection of Kitsap’s priorities – it’s a budget that looks toward the future.”

Both committees are holding public hearings on their budget drafts this week.

The House Capital Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 20 at 1:30.

The House Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 19 at 3:30.

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For interview:

Rep. Sherry Appleton (360) 786-7934

Rep. Christine Rolfes (360) 786-7842

For more information: Derek Baker, (360) 786-7697

Link to Rep. Sherry Appleton’s website:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/appleton/

Link to Rep. Christine Rolfes’ website:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/rolfes/

Radio and TV news directors: For broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange TV or radio interviews, contact Dan Frizzell, House Democratic Caucus broadcast coordinator, at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.