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State’s final Capital Budget
funds vital 16th District projects
Governor’s
signature will secure investments in region’s economy, infrastructure
The 2007 legislative
session wrapped up last month, and with it passage of the final
2007-2009 state Capital Budget.
Reps. Bill Grant (D–Walla Walla) and
Maureen Walsh
(R–Walla Walla) both had high praise for the budget, which passed the
state House and Senate nearly unanimously.
“This budget makes vital investments in every region of the state,
including the 16th Legislative District,” Grant said. “Rep. Walsh and I
believe the projects funded will boost the economy and quality of life
in our district.”
The 2007-2009 Capital Budget funds earmarked specifically for the 16th
District total $85.5 million. This includes $400,000 for construction of
a pedestrian bridge over State Route 395/Court Street in Pasco. The
funding was essential for completion of the project, which will improve
safety and pedestrian access across one of Pasco’s busiest
thoroughfares. Grant and Walsh had both publicly supported the plan.
“This year’s capital budget makes several important investments in the
16th District. I’m particularly happy about funding for Highway 395 at
Court Street because it will make a potentially dangerous area safer for
pedestrians,” Walsh said. “A lot of people have worked hard at the local
level to bring these projects forward.”
Mayor Joyce Olson of Pasco welcomed the funding assistance.
“Representatives Grant and Walsh have been instrumental in making the
pedestrian bridge a reality,” Olson said. “On behalf of the residents of
the City of Pasco, I would like to extend our appreciation for their
support on this project.”
Grant and Walsh also supported financing for two projects in the
neighboring 8th Legislative District. The Hanford Reach National
Monument Heritage and Visitor Center received $3 million in the
2007-2009 budget, as well as a reappropriation of $2 million for
pre-construction activities in the 2005-2007 supplemental budget.
The Port of Benton also received $1 million for a rail transload
facility, which will include refrigerated storage capacity to serve the
growing need for various agricultural shipments by rail.
“This facility benefits Washington’s agricultural industry by lowering
shipping costs and increasing access to Midwest, Eastern and Southern
markets,” Grant said.
Additionally, both Grant and Walsh hailed the inclusion of $2 million in
capital budget funds for completion of a ground water mapping project in
Adams and Lincoln counties. The project will investigate and report on
the dynamic relationship between groundwater and surface water in the
region, which includes agricultural land.
Other examples of 16th district projects funded in the next biennium
include:
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$1.6 million for
construction of a public water system to serve businesses and
schools in the town of Burbank
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$500,000 for
construction of two additional wine incubator buildings at the Port
of Walla Walla
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$100,000 in design
funding for a Walla Walla County Health Center Annex building
-
$29,000 for
exploration of various flood control options for the city of
Waitsburg
-
Nearly $12 million for
facility preservation, construction, and repairs to Columbia Basin
and Walla Walla Community Colleges
Gov. Gregoire will sign
the 2007-2009 Capital Budget during a public bill signing on Tuesday,
May 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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