15th District lawmakers support capital budget passed by Legislature, includes strong investments for the district

Lawmakers unanimously approved a new two-year capital budget for construction, infrastructure and repair projects across the state with just one day left in the 2023 session. The capital budget provides funding for K-12 and higher education school construction, mental and behavioral health, homelessness and affordable housing, and projects to protect Washington's natural resources and waterways.

The 2023-25 capital spending plan, Senate Bill 5200, appropriates a total of $8.98 billion in funding, $4.18 billion of which comes from the sale of newly authorized bonds. The Legislature also passed the bond bill, House Bill 1148, which was funded through a variety of sources. The capital budget includes more than $23 million for the 15th District.

“I am very pleased that this year's bipartisan capital budget does so much to help the communities of the 15th District and the state overall,” said Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco. “This budget invests $884 million total in behavioral health, including $211 million for community-based competitive grants. It will also help fund a number of important local projects, like the East Yakima pool at MLK Park. These funds will greatly improve the quality of life for our friends and neighbors, as well as improve the economic development of the region.”

Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, called the plan well-balanced.

“This is a good bipartisan plan that benefits the entire state and our district. It invests in the state's infrastructure and addresses some critical needs. These projects provide jobs and economic opportunity in our communities. I am thankful for the hard work of the negotiators on both sides of the aisle in producing this good, strong budget.”

Bryan Sandlin, who serves as assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee, was at the budget development and negotiating table during the process.

“It was an honor and a privilege to serve on the Capital Budget Committee and the capital budget development group. The bipartisan effort employed by this group was an inspiration for how government should work. I look forward to continued service on this committee,” said Sandlin, R-Zillah. “This capital plan includes strong investments in K-12 school construction, mental and behavioral health facilities, affordable housing, and our natural resources and waterways. We worked to address needs and fund projects that could provide that could benefit local economies.”

Some of the 15th District projects include:

  • $5,050,000 million for the Pasco process water re-use facility;
  • $3.1 million for the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District;
  • $1.16 million for the MLK Jr. park and swimming pool;
  • $1 million for Sentinel Gap Community Park in Mattawa;
  • $850,000 for the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management area water supply;
  • $840,000 for the Pasco Clubhouse safety modernization;
  • $525,000 for the Yakima County Stadium;
  • $500,000 for the Kiwanis Spray Park, lighting and walking trails;
  • $412,000 for Othello's Regional Water Plan;
  • $361,000 for the Port of Mattawa Event Center Phase 3 upgrade project;
  • $350,000 for the Kiwanis Park Futsal Court and restroom;
  • $300,000 for the Zillah Park renovation;
  • $155,000 for the downtown Pasco North Plaza;
  • $25,000 for the Yakima Trolley Museum;
  • millions of dollars for the infrastructure and repair work for the community and technical colleges; and
  • millions of dollars for the Military Department and Yakima Training Center in our region.

The Legislature is set to adjourn on Sunday.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov