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Schindler, Crouse announce
funding of local public works projects
Spokane area Republicans
Reps. Larry Crouse and Lynn Schindler today announced more than $13.5
million in low-interest state loans for local public works projects. The
projects were included in the 2005 Public Works Trust Fund project list,
approved today by the House of Representatives.
“Sometimes important
public works projects remain in the planning phase for years because the
funding to get them done just isn’t there,” said Schindler, R-Spokane.
“I’m pleased we were able to direct state funding toward some local
projects that will have a significant impact on public safety.”
This year’s project list,
which came before the House in the form of House Bill 1049, contains
three major projects within the 4th District:
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Bigelow Gulch/Forker
Road improvements: $10 million. The Public Works funds will be
combined with other funding sources to complete a $35 million
upgrade to this important link between Spokane Valley and Spokane’s
North Side.
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Water main replacement
along Orchard Avenue: $1.1 million. The lead joint pipe in this area
had led to public health concerns about potential lead
contamination. The project will involve replacement of nearly 20,000
feet of pipe, 210 buried meter boxes, and required valves and
fittings.
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North Colbert water
improvements: $2.5 million. This funding will pay for installation
of about 27,000 feet of water lines, 15 hydrants, a two million
gallon steel reservoir, a pump station and more.
“We’re happy the 4th
District will be benefiting from the Public Works Trust Fund,” said
Crouse, R-Spokane Valley. “A lot of people have worked long and hard at
the local level to make these projects possible and we appreciate their
efforts.”
The Legislature created
the Public Works Trust Fund in 1985 to help local governments and
special purpose districts get low-interest or no-interest loans to build
infrastructure projects. The Public Works Board, housed within the
Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, makes loans to
finance the repair, replacement or improvement of a variety of public
works projects, including bridges, roads, water and sewage systems, and
solid waste and recycling facilities.
The Public Works Trust
Fund loan list now goes before the Senate for approval.
# # #
For more information, contact:
Brendon Wold, Public
Information Officer: (360) 786-7698
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