| March 8, 2006 OLYMPIA… The
Senate voted today on a final supplemental capital budget, Engrossed
Substitute Senate Bill 6384. Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County and
ranking Republican member of the Capital Budget Sub-Committee, said the
final bill is higher than the original Senate bill, but stays within the
state’s means.
“In a supplemental year, we have to be careful that we don’t treat the
capital budget like a biennial budget,” Brandland said. “While the final
figure was higher than the original Senate proposal, we managed to keep
spending at a reasonable level while funding important needs.”
The final list of projects includes:
$10 million for the Columbia River Basin Water Supply
Development program (in addition to $200 million in new bonding
authority over the next 10 years included in the bond bill, ESHB
3316);
$17 million for the start up of the biodiesel industry;
$59 million for the expansion of prison capacity;
$2.9 million for completion of the State Patrol crime
lab in Vancouver; and
$1 million for a school mapping program.
In total, the Legislature approved $278 million in projects and $144
million in bond spending.
Brandland said the construction budget makes important investments in
public safety.
“One of the most important things we funded in this package is the
completion of the crime lab in Vancouver,” Brandland added. “This lab will
help us get caught up on our DNA testing, allowing us to identify
perpetrators of past crimes.”
The capital budget is separate from the operating budget, and is used to
build, repair and improve state-owned buildings, public schools, public
lands and parks.
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Sen. Dale Brandland represents Washington’s 42nd District,
which includes Bellingham, Lynden and Blaine. Brandland serves on the
Financial Institutions, Housing and Consumer Protection Committee, Health
and Long-Term Care Committee, Human Services and Corrections Committee, and
the Ways and Means Committee.
For more information contact Catherine Trinh (360) 786-7503 or
trinh.catherine@leg.wa.gov
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