House capital budget proposes strong investments in 15th District as Sandlin works on first capital spending plan

On Monday, the state House of Representatives unveiled their proposed capital budget. 15th District State Rep. Bryan Sandlin, who serves as assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee, was at the negotiating table during the process, including more than $19 million for the 15th District.

“As a freshman legislator it was great to be part of a capital budget leadership team that worked together to address important projects in communities across Washington state. It was truly a bipartisan effort,” said Sandlin, R-Zillah. “This budget is critical because it brings taxpayer dollars back to our legislative districts so we can assist our local governments or communities in situations where funding may be difficult to come by.”

The House capital budget appropriates about $8.3 billion, with $4.1 billion in newly authorized bonds. It makes significant investments in housing, behavioral health facilities, and school construction.

Some of the highlights include:

  • $400 million for the Housing Trust Fund;
  • $613 million to continue construction on the new Western State Hospital;
  • $588 million for the school construction assistance program;
  • $400 million from the Public Works Assistance Account for the Public Works Board to issue grants and loans to local governments;

The state capital budget, also known as the “bricks and mortar budget,” appropriates money for infrastructure improvements and statewide construction of public buildings including schools, parks, environmental projects, land acquisitions and transfers, as well as cultural and heritage facilities.

Projects funded in the 15th District in the proposed approved capital budget plan include:

  • $5 million for the Pasco process water re-use facility;
  • $3.1 million for the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District;
  • $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;
  • $155,000 for the downtown Pasco North Plaza;
  • 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 House must still work out their differences with the Senate capital budget. The House Capital Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on their budget proposal, House Bill 1147, on Tuesday, March 28, at 8 a.m.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov