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House approves funding for
2nd District public works projects
Second District
Representatives
Rep. Jim McCune and Tom
Campbell recently announced that the House of Representatives has
approved a bill authorizing a $2.9 million loan toward the complete
reconstruction of the Canyon Road East-176th Street East intersection,
as well as an $807,500 loan for the installation of a conventional water
filtration plant in Eatonville.
House Bill 1049 approves
the 2005 list of local government infrastructure projects funded under
the Public Works Trust Fund program. The list includes 64 projects
totaling $155 million. The measure passed unanimously and now moves on
to the Senate.
The reconstruction of the
Canyon Road East-176th Street East intersection will include additional
travel lanes in each direction, a new traffic signal, and street
lights.
McCune, R-Graham, is
pleased with the road allocation. “These funds will go a long way to
increasing the carrying capacity of the roads and will allow economic
development efforts in the area to move forward. This is so important
because the region just keeps growing,” he said.
Campbell, R-Roy, has spent
many years working to relieve congestion and improve safety in the area.
He’s glad to see more money become available.
"Since I was appointed to
the House Transportation Committee I've been able to steer more funding
toward solutions to the choke points and trouble spots in the area, but
there's only so much money available in the state transportation budget.
This can only help alleviate the problems with that intersection,"
Campbell said.
Enhancements to
Eatonville’s water filtration system include the construction of a
membrane filtration system, the installation of a booster pump station
and basin modifications. The existing disinfection system will continue
to be used.
“I’m excited for
Eatonville,” said McCune. “This project is long overdue.”
The Public Works Trust
Fund was created by the Legislature in 1985 to provide a source of loan
funds to assist local governments and special purpose districts with
infrastructure projects. The Public Works Board, housed within the
Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, makes
low-interest or interest-free loans from the account 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.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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