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Capital budget includes
funding for Orting's Bridge for Kids,
Voights Creek Hatchery
The 2005-2007 capital
budget recently approved by the Legislature provides $850,000 for the
Orting Bridge for Kids.
Rep. Jim McCune, R-Graham,
voted in favor of the capital budget, which is awaiting Gov. Christine
Gregoire’s signature.
The Bridge for Kids
project is focused on building a footbridge across the Carbon and
Puyallup Rivers, which is necessary for the safe evacuation of the
Orting School District and the city of Orting in the event of a volcanic
eruption at Mt. Rainer. There are currently 2,000 students, teachers and
staff in the district, plus another 10,000 citizens who live in Orting.
“With the funds in the
capital budget and the additional $850,000 in the transportation budget,
work on this project can begin in earnest,” said McCune, who served on
the House Capital Budget Committee. “The footbridge that will eventually
be constructed is essential to the safety of school children and others
who live and work in Orting.”
Other projects in Orting
receiving funding include the Voights Creek Hatchery, receiving $982,000
for improvements.
The capital budget funds
construction and repair of public buildings, and provides for other
long-term investments, like land acquisitions and transfers. It also
includes state money that is either given or lent to local governments
and nonprofit organizations for infrastructure, housing, and cultural
and heritage facilities.
The capital budget is not
funded directly by tax dollars but from state-issued bonds, dedicated
accounts, trust revenue, and federal funding sources. “I’m pleased that
I was able to support the only budget not coupled with tax increases
this session -- the one budget which, unlike the operating and
transportation budgets, still has to live within some limits,” said
McCune.
McCune pointed to the fact
that capital budget projects often create job opportunities. “These
projects require work to complete them, so we stand to gain family wage
jobs as well. While our economy is improving and fewer people are
unemployed, our communities can definitely benefit from the economic
boost brought on by these projects,” said McCune.
Additional 2nd District
projects included in the capital budget are:
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$2.9 million -
reconstruction of the Canyon Road E/ 176th Street E intersection;
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$1.4 million - South
Pierce Wetland – Trust Land Transfer;
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$400,000 - Youth
Center/Drop-in Center in Spanaway; and
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$50,000 – Eatonville
Family Park.
The 2005 legislative
session adjourned April 24.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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