OLYMPIA, WA – Washington State Senator Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) says the new two-year state capital budget passed by the Legislature late last week delivers funding for many projects in the 9th District, including some found in Asotin County. He was the Senate Republican leader on the capital budget.
“Since last year, I received helpful feedback from people in Asotin County and other communities throughout our district who let me know what projects needed funding in the capital budget,” Schoesler says. “Because of these discussions with people, as well as collaboration with my seatmates, Representatives Schmick and Dye, this budget addresses many needs in the 9th District.”
The new capital budget includes $280,000 for projects impacting the Asotin Creek Wildlife Area campgrounds, plus $153,000 to improve Asotin Creek Wildlife Area access points. The budget also provides $35,000 for a project in the Asotin-Anatone School District.
The new capital budget includes $8 million for fairs in the state and $5 million in Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education grants to the Future Farmers of America Foundation.
The capital budget funds the construction and maintenance of state buildings, public-school matching grants, higher-education facilities, public lands, parks, water infrastructure, and other assets.
Overall, the new state capital budget (Senate Bill 5200) appropriates a total of $9 billion in spending, including nearly $694 million for affordable-housing projects; $872 million for K-12 education projects; $1.5 billion in total funding for higher education; $884 million to address behavioral-health needs; and $2.4 billion for natural-resource projects that address water quality and supply, salmon recovery, outdoor recreation and conservation, state parks, state trust lands and more.
The Senate passed the capital budget 48-0 Saturday after the House approved it 96-0 on Friday. It has been sent to Governor Jay Inslee for his consideration. The capital budget will take effect on July 1st.
