Capital Projects Measure Passes with Strong Support from AGC
A $44 million nursing facility in Walla Walla a $3 million Lake Sammamish event structure and a $63 million UW Bothell building are among the projects that will be funded and built thanks to passage of a Capital Projects package that was a top priority of AGC.
The legislative package fast-tracks construction of public projects that would have been built over the next several years. The $1.08 billion package allows the state to build the projects while construction prices are still very competitive and helps construction bounce back from economic conditions that have kept industry unemployment near 20%.
The total includes $320 for higher education; $216 for natural resource projects including storm and flood water control fish hatcheries; $108 million for energy efficiency and weatherization projects; $72 million for safe drinking water projects; $67 for housing needs; and $153 for Public Works Trust Fund projects.
For a complete list of projects to be funded by the measures click here.
Gov. Gregoire is expected to sign the supplemental capital projects bills that include the package and AGC President Steve Isenhart encouraged her to do so as soon as possible. Early approval of these bills will help get workers back to work building needed infrastructure for the State and its communities Isenhart said in a letter to the Governor. The $1.08 billion invested in these projects will generate more than $2.1 billion in economic activity; increase household earnings by $690 million; and support 17000 to 20000 jobs across the state.
Half of the package is funded through general obligation bonds. The other half is paid through cash account appropriations and certificates of participation for higher ed projects.
For additional information contact AGC Government Affairs Director Rick Slunaker 360-352-5000.