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House construction budget
includes funding for Colfax library
Local project a Schmick priority
The supplemental
construction budget unveiled in the state House Wednesday would provide
$115,000 for handicap and safety projects at the Colfax branch of the
Whitman County Library. Rep. Joe Schmick, sponsored the funding request
and worked with House budget writers to ensure the appropriation was
included in the proposal.
The funding would allow the library to install a new elevator and make
other improvements to ensure the facility is compliant with the federal
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The upgrades are part of a
comprehensive renovation plan to improve the library’s services,
lighting, ADA-approved accessibility and safety.
The Colfax legislator said he was gratified to see a local priority
included in the Capital Budget Committee’s 2008 proposal.
“In addition to being a Main Street city landmark, the Colfax library is
the hub of the Whitman County Rural Library District, with more than
10,000 active cardholders,” Schmick noted. “The modifications would
benefit all of the library’s patrons, but particularly those who most
need an accessible building.”
The library’s steep, narrow staircase and lack of an elevator have
prevented some handicapped patrons from participating in community
events and education programs in the public meeting room, or from using
the existing restrooms. Wider stairwells, improved ramping, electronic
doorways and remodeled restroom facilities are among the improvements in
a $1 million long-term plan for the historic three-story structure.
“The library’s director, Kristie Kirkpatrick, and Peggy Bryan, have done
an excellent job of articulating the library’s needs and problems, and
keeping the fund-raising efforts on track. The supplemental capital
budget is lean this year, so getting this funding included was a nice
victory for our community,” Schmick added.
The capital budget, which is handled separately from the main operating
budget and the transportation budget, provides funds for remodeling and
construction of state office buildings, public schools, colleges and
universities, parks and green space, and the acquisition of threatened
lands.
The supplemental capital budget will now be considered by the full House
and Senate.
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For more information, contact
Bill Taylor, Information Officer:
(360) 786-7074
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