Highlighting the lack of new taxes in the supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets, the lawmakers representing the 35th Legislative District, which includes parts of South Thurston County, say the supplemental capital budget will invest $16 million for local projects.
"The millions we were able to get in this capital budget will make a significant difference in our community, " Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, said in a statement. "I am proud to be a member of this 35th District team and what we have been able to accomplish together."
Both chambers unanimously approved the final passage of the proposal on March 6, one of the last major actions of the session that ended March 7. Roughly 10% of the budget is funded through capital bonds, which presents a unique opportunity for Republican input in a process where Democrats hold power in both chambers of the Legislature and the governor's office.
According to the lawmakers, the plan will invest in K-12 school construction, housing and mental health facilities.
"These investments will bring real change that will go a long way for our kids, our families, and those most vulnerable in our community," Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, said in a statement. "I am grateful to my seatmates for this team effort."
The projects in the 35th District capital budget include:
• $38,000 for the Chamber of Commerce historical archive project in Grand Mound
• $412,000 for the Crosby Community Center restoration project
• $52,000 for the Goldsborough Switching Station project
• $47,000 for the North Mason Food Bank relocation project
• $41,000 for public dock emergency repair
• $206,000 for the Shelton Multi-Use Trail project
• $90,000 for the Matlock Grange safety and structure improvements project
• $800,000 for the Mason PUD No. 1 Lilliwaup Corner project
• $5,000,000 for school modernization, including planning grants and other funding for the Griffin, Pioneer and Southside districts
"This money will help with school modernization, food security, economic development, infrastructure, recreation, and so much more," Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, said in a statement. "I am happy to be on a team committed to investing in rural communities."
The trio of lawmakers also announced they secured $60 million in the transportation budget, which includes $25 million to begin land acquisitions for the Highway 3 Freight Corridor project.
"This funding will improve the safety on our roadways in the 35th District," said Griffey, a member of the House Transportation Committee. "And with the land acquisition funding for the Highway 3 Freight Corridor Project now in place we can finally see our path forward to completing this vital project to improve safety and ease congestion in North Mason County."
Additional 35th District Transportation Budget projects include:
• $1.65 million for Wallace Kneeland intersection improvements
• $2 million for U.S. 101/state Route 3 Jersey barriers
• $10 million to develop a new Mason Transit Park and Ride
• Funding for an additional lane in both directions of state Route 3 from Gorst to state Route 304
"To all of the 35th District residents who reach out to us about the challenge of commuting on our roadways — we hear you," MacEwen said in a statement. "There will be more to come."
"These projects are critical for increased safety, reduced traffic congestion and freight mobility," Couture said. "Our constituents have waited a long time for these critical projects, and I am proud to be part of a delegation that delivers for the 35th District."
