Lovelett: State budget invests in environmental protection, local recreation, higher education

— from Dave Pringle for Senator Lovelett’s office —

The two-year capital construction budget passed unanimously [Sunday] by the Legislature invests in priority infrastructure across the state in the areas of behavioral health, affordable housing, education, orca protection and environmental health.

“Critical local projects for our communities that improve public safety, expand recreation and educational opportunities, and protect our environment are in this robust budget,” said Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes). “I’m proud to support our region in funding the projects that make our special corner of Washington such an extraordinary place to live and work.”

Projects for the 40th District and Northern Puget Sound include:

• $1 million for the Skagit 911 communications upgrade
• $1 million for the Lopez Island Swim Center
• $1 million for the Mount Vernon Library
• $60 million for Western Washington University upgrades
• $550,000 for the Skagit Valley College Dental School
• ·$14 million for Port of Bellingham property and waterfront redevelopment
• $1 million for Mt. Baker Theater renovation
• $1.2 million for Moran State Park improvements
• $350,000 for Lummi Nation Community Park
• $200,000 for the Washington Park boat launch repair in Anacortes
• $250,000 for YMCA Camp Orkila

Statewide, Lovelett said, the budget focuses on the needs that matter most to the people of the 40th District:

• $310 million for orca recovery, salmon habitat restoration, and conservation programs;
• $175 million for the Housing Trust Fund, including investments for farm worker and homeless housing;
• $148 million for toxics cleanup and stormwater management to local governments; and
• $14 million for forest hazard reduction and wildlife protection.