March 28, 2007

OLYMPIA…The Senate today released its proposal for the 2007-2009 capital budget.

Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County and ranking member on the Senate Ways and Means capital budget subcommittee, said the $4.2 billion budget focuses mostly on education.  

“The capital budget is the state’s bricks and mortar budget, and as in years past, this year’s proposal focuses on education,” Brandland said.  “Significant funds have been proposed for our higher education facilities, including the major universities, community colleges and technical institutions.”   

In total, education makes up nearly 50 percent of the proposal, with $1.065 billion slated for higher education, and $963 million for K-12.   

Funds from the capital budget are used to build, repair and improve state-owned buildings, public schools, public lands and parks. This budget is separate from the operating budget (general fund).  Brandland said the capital budget is also considered to be the budget that “puts people to work,” and an important economic development tool.   

Other highlights in this year’s capital budget proposal include:

• $238 million for Puget Sound cleanup and salmon recovery

• $156 million for state corrections facilities

• $100 million for Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

Brandland cautions that while a capital budget proposal has been released, it is still a working document. 
“The House has a separate proposal, and we’ll have to work through the differences between the two in a conference committee,” Brandland said.  “There are no done deals yet.”

The Senate is expected to vote on the capital budget within the next week.   

-30- 

Sen. Brandland is Republican caucus whip and represents Washington’s 42^nd District, which includes Bellingham, Lynden and Blaine.   

For more information contact Catherine Trinh (360) 786-7503 or trinh.catherine@leg.wa.gov