Snohomish County works in capital budget, lawmakers note

McCoy, Sells cite quality of life, economic development in building plan

April 7, 2009

OLYMPIA – Millions of dollars in public works projects are included in the capital budget advancing now through the House of Representatives, state Reps. John McCoy and Mike Sells said this afternoon (Tuesday, April 7, 2009).

The proposed 2009-2011 capital budget moving toward a vote in the full House includes more than $14.4 million worth of construction and other projects in Snohomish County=s 38th Legislative District.

In programs through the state Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development, according to McCoy, D-Tulalip, this new building budget has $1 million for the Artspace Everett Lofts, $1 million for the Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center, $1 million for the Snohomish County Emergency Center, $1 million for the Visual Arts Education Center, $500,000 for the Plaza Theatre, and $200,000 for the Legacy Project.

In programs through the Reservation and Conservation Office, according to Sells, D-Everett, this new building budget has $5.8 million for restoration of the Smith Island Estuary, and $250,000 for restoration of the mouth of Mapes Creek.

The capital budget also has $3.6 million for roof-repair and other repair work at Everett Community College.

“Our county is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state," McCoy said of the Snohomish County region that the two lawmakers represent in Olympia. "We need to make sure our schools, our colleges, and our infrastructure keep pace with the population explosion."

The construction projects called for in the capital budget "will help provide dependable, family wage jobs for thousands of citizens in our communities," Sells stated. "Investments that we make today will help determine the quality of life in our neighborhoods and communities for the rest of the 21st century."
A University of Washington study a few years ago found that every $1 million in construction spending creates 30 jobs in the construction, support and retail industries.

The House Democrats’ capital budget focuses on statewide maintenance and preservation projects for schools and other public facilities.

Projects such as plumbing, electrical repair and weatherization are a priority. Local contractors have been devastated more than anyone else by the collapse of the housing market, and so these businesses should certainly see the biggest boost in this new capital budget, the two Snohomish County legislators said.

A major highlight in the proposed budget is the transfer of $780 million to support vital programs and services in the state’s operating budget in the face of the unprecedented shortfall in state revenue. To make up for that cash transfer, the capital budget makes full use of bonding capacity.
Statewide highlights of the proposed capital budget include:

* $872.3 million for public schools, including construction assistance, small repair grants, and a Health and Safety Grant Program.

* $100 million for the state’s Housing Trust Fund, plus $83 million in federal recovery funds for the Housing Finance Commission and housing authorities.

* $80 million for the Washington Wildlife Recreation Program.

Federal recovery dollars coming to Washington will be used to fund energy efficiency and weatherization projects, and well as habitat restoration and programs which protect natural resources.