OLYMPIA…Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-16th District, announced today that the 16th legislative district will receive state money for construction jobs to improve local colleges and universities, the Washington State Penitentiary, Port of Walla Walla and a new prison facility through the state’s capital budget. 

            “Our families need the jobs and income provided by these projects,” said Hewitt. “We can help our neighbors and improve the community at the same time.” 

            The capital budget is used to build, repair and improve state-owned buildings, public schools, public lands and parks. This budget is completely separate from the operating budget (general fund). The capital and operating budgets are funded from separate and distinct sources. 

            As a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Hewitt worked to bring projects to the 16th legislative district. Senate Bill 6094 outlines the projects in the capital budget. 

Washington State Penitentiary:

• $6.8 million for design and construction of the North Security Compound
• $11.8 million for various other projects

Colleges and Universities:

• Walla Walla Community College  – $6.5 million for a basic skills/computer lab
• Columbia Basin College – $4 million for renovations to the business education buildings
• Columbia Basin College – $4 million for a Health Sciences Center
• Columbia Basin College – $1 million for a Diversity Initiatives Office
• WSU Tri-Cities University – $13.1 million for the Pacific Northwest Laboratories
• Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Arts Center – $1.5 million for various improvements

Port of Walla Walla:

• $1 million for the creation of a small business wine incubator

Coyote Ridge Prison Facility:

• $179 million for the construction of a new 1,300 bed facility

 – 30 –

 For further information contact Bert Mills at (360) 786-7510 or mills.bert@leg.wa.gov