Feb. 12, 2009

Ross requests more than $4 million from the capital budget
for Yakima Valley

Ready By Five Learning Center, Zaepfel Stadium and Perry Technical Institute among priorities for 14th District lawmaker

Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches, has requested funding for three important projects to the Yakima Valley. The requests were made to the chair and ranking Republican of the Capital Budget Committee. The capital budget is separate from the state's operating budget, which is expected to have a $5.7 billion shortfall in the next biennium through 2011.

The first request is an early learning center supported by the late Rep. Mary Skinner. In 2008, $100,000 was funded for design of a building for the Ready By Five Learning Center. Since then, advocates have worked to raise money from community and private organizations. Ross is requesting $2 million from the capital budget.

"Seventeen percent of Yakima's population is under the age of 10. We have a very real need for early learning opportunities that give our children a head start in their education," Ross said. "This project is truly shovel ready, and our community has shown the initiative to help fund the construction of the center. Now I'm looking to the Legislature to make this worthwhile project a reality."

Another funding request is $2.1 million for Zaepfel Stadium, to resurface the track and replace grass with sports turf.

"This stadium is large enough to be used by more than just high school athletics, it could be used by the community to host a variety of events," Ross said. "A stadium upgrade would mean a central location for sports teams on both sides of the state, and more tourism dollars for the Valley. During lean budget times, we have to be looking at how we can improve our economic vitality, and this is one such way."

Ross' final request is $500,000 to complete a parking lot for the Perry Technical Institute. The parking lot would accommodate a recent renovation of a building that holds classrooms, shops, labs and offices.

"The college's enrollment is growing, and so is the need for campus parking," Ross said. "This project is about safety for the students and staff to get from their cars to their classes."

The capital budget is not financed by retail or business taxes. About half of the capital budget is financed by the sale of state-issued bonds; the rest is paid for from cash sources such as receipts from the sale of timber on state trust lands, certain dedicated taxes and fees, lottery revenue and federal funds.

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