OLYMPIA…The Washington State Senate passed a $3.239 billion capital budget today which includes over $12 million for projects in the 42^nd legislative district. 

The state’s capital budget, often referred to as the construction budget, allocates funds to maintain existing state-owned facilities including public schools, colleges and universities, parks and prisons. 

“This is the ‘bricks and mortar’ part of the budget process,” said Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County.  “We’ve got a bipartisan construction budget here and from what I’ve seen so far, it’s good for the 42^nd district.” 

Capital budget allocations for the 42^nd district and the Whatcom County area include

ü $2 million for the Northfork Community Resource Center
ü $200,000 for Phase II for the Mt. Baker Theater
ü $2.3 million for the Bellingham Waterfront Restoration/Farmers Market project
ü $40,000 for Lummi Youth Recreation

 “With the capital budget, we’re investing in our future by maintaining environmental standards, retaining jobs and putting more money into our K-12 and higher education facilities,” Brandland said.  “Plus, there is a positive effect on the local economy as local electricians, construction firms and laborers are hired to complete the work.” 

While the Senate capital budget passed with bipartisan support, Brandland was cautious about the final outcome. 

“This is only the first step in the process,” Brandland said.  “There’s really no telling what the final budget will look like.  However, I plan on working with my seatmates in the House and we’ll do what we can to see that these projects are included in the final version.” 

Brandland also said he was happy that the Public Works Bill (SB 5036) which passed the Senate last week included money for Birch Bay and Blane Sewer and Water Treatment projects.  

-30- 

For more information contact Brendon Wold (360) 786-7536 or wold.brendon@leg.wa.gov