With the 2021 legislative session winding down, 4th District lawmakers voted in support of a strong, bipartisan 2021-23 capital budget. securing more than $16.8 million in funds for community projects and other infrastructure needs for the region.
The $6.3 billion capital spending plan includes a $413 million investment in broadband internet access around Washington state and nearly $1 billion for K-12 and early education with significant funding for small schools and early learning centers.
“I am happy to support this bipartisan capital spending plan that takes into consideration the needs of the entire state,” Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, said. “Fourth District taxpayers send a lot of their money to Olympia. This capital budget brings some of that money back home to help fund important projects in our community, as well as creates and preserves jobs.
“Projects such as the Spokane Valley Fairgrounds Exhibition Center and the Felts Field Gateway not only improve the quality of life for our families, they are also crucial to the economic health of our region. I am also pleased that we were able to secure a million dollars for the Flora Road River Trail property. These are the kinds of investments that will pay long-term dividends for our district.”
The lawmakers secured almost $17 million for projects in the 4th District including:
- Spokane County Library District, $2 million;
- Boys and Girls Club of Spokane County, $600,000;
- Doris Morrison Learning Center, $1.03 million
- Felts Field Gateway Project, $400,000;
- Project Chairlift: Lifting Up Washington State Chair 1, $750,000;
- Spokane Valley Boys and Girls Club, $1.03 million;
- Spokane Valley Fairgrounds Exhibition Center, $750,000;
- Apprenticeship Center in Spokane, $3.36 million;
- Liberty Lake Regional Park Phase 1 and water access, $906,000;
- Flora Road River Trail Property, $1 million;
- Make Beacon Hill Public, $1 million;
- Mt. Spokane Bear Creek, $816,000;
- Spokane River Centennial Trail Phase 1 renovation, $1.98 million;
- Antoine Peak Phase 4 Etter Ranch, $1.06 million; and
- Colbert Landfill risk evaluation, $18,000.
“This capital budget represents targeted investments in our region for the short- and long-term benefit of our families and communities,” said Rep. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley. “From libraries and trails, to public parks and boys and girls clubs, these projects represent significant improvements that will make a noticeable difference in the quality of life for many 4th District residents. I’m pleased we were able to work in a bipartisan fashion to get this construction budget through the legislative process.”
It also makes investments in water and sewer with the help of one-time federal funds while continuing to make mental and behavioral health care a priority by increasing capacity at community- and state-run mental health facilities.
“This House capital budget addresses the priorities and needs of our state while making local investments that benefit our region. This budget does a great job of balancing what is needed in all corners of Washington state, and it is taxpayer dollars returning to district,” said Rep. Rob Chase, R-Liberty Lake. “This is much more than a ‘bricks and mortar’ type budget. In the 4th District it funds community projects and infrastructure improvements at a time when it can help our economy and communities the most.”
The capital budget was approved by a vote of 49-0 in the Senate and 98-0 in the House. It now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.