State capital budget passed by Legislature funds many 4th District projects, says Padden

April 22, 2023

Sen. Mike Padden appreciates that the two-year state capital budget passed by the Legislature includes several projects in the 4th Legislative District and allows district residents to see their tax dollars help their local communities.

“I’m pleased that the final version of the capital budget includes nearly everything I requested,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley. “The budget helps fund several local athletic and recreational projects in our district, as well as performing-arts projects and other local projects. It’s a good capital budget for the 4th District and for the state, and it’s good to see taxpayers’ money spent on local projects.”

The 2023-25 capital budget also funds these 4th District projects:

  • $1.176 million for Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center construction, with another $1.849 million provided for the Spokane Valley Summer Theatre, which will be part of the performing arts center.
  • $1.03 million for the HUB sports fields in Liberty Lake.
  • $750,000 for Spokane Scale House Market in Spokane Valley.
  • $543,000 for Avista Stadium improvements in Spokane Valley.
  • $500,000 in Washington Wildlife Recreation Program funding for phase 2 work at Greenacres Park in Spokane Valley.
  • $350,000 for a synthetic turf field in Liberty Lake.
  • $207,000 for Veterans Memorial Balfour Park in Spokane Valley, with this funding having been repurposed from the 2022 state capital budget.
  • $130,000 for natural areas facilities preservation and access.
  • $100,000 for Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park in Mead.
  • $100,000 for the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum.
  • $100,000 from the Building Communities Fund Grant Program for expansion of the public food business incubator.
  • $40,000 to fund appraisals of two pieces of property, one in Liberty Lake that is being considered as the possible new location for the Army National Guard unit, and the other at Geiger Field, where the unit currently is located.

The state capital budget funds the construction and maintenance of state buildings, public-school matching grants, higher-education facilities, public lands, parks, and other assets.

After the House of Representatives passed the final version of the capital budget 96-0 yesterday, the Senate approved it 48-0 today. It now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee for his consideration.

The 2023 legislative session is scheduled to end tomorrow.