|
Proposed capital budget contains
$12.6 million-plus for Benton County projects
Rep. Larry Haler is pleased that the 2007-09 state capital
budget proposed today by the House of Representatives would allocate $3
million toward design and construction of the Hanford Reach National
Monument Heritage and Visitor Center.
In all, the House capital
budget proposal contains more than $12 million for construction projects
and other capital-related investments in Benton City, West Richland and
Richland, which are in the 8th Legislative District represented by
Haler.
"The Hanford Reach has a
fascinating heritage, and its status as a national monument is well
deserved. I'm glad the House of Representatives is interested in
preserving and promoting it," said Haler, R-Richland.
Haler is also glad to see
$1 million proposed for building a complex of four Babe Ruth baseball
fields along State Route 240 near Horn Rapids.
"Our area already is a
magnet for athletic events, and this would only enhance that
reputation," said Haler.
Republicans joined
Democrats to unveil the capital budget proposal today. It's contained in
House Bill 1092, which received a public hearing this afternoon
before the House Capital Budget Committee and is scheduled for a
committee vote on Wednesday morning.
Rep. Shirley Hankins, R-Richland, serves on the committee and is a
strong voice for Mid-Columbia projects, said Haler.
Other projects proposed
for funding include:
Benton City Aquatic Park
-- $500,000
Benton City Food Bank -- $200,000
Badger Mountain Water Park spray improvements (Richland) -- $155,675
Amon Creek land acquisition (Richland) -- $404,780
Claybell Park expansion (Richland) -- $195,960
Bombing Range Sports Complex, phase 4 (West Richland) -- $300,000
Also receiving funding in
the House proposal is the proposed $13.7 million, 256-bed expansion at
Connell's Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, and $666,000 for improvements
to the Tri-Cities Stadium in Pasco.
# # #
|