— from Dave Pringle for Senator Lovelett’s Office —
The Senate Democrats’ proposed capital budget would invest in infrastructure to support behavioral health, affordable housing, education, orca protection and environmental health, Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) said today.
“This first step in the budget process shows what we’re hoping to prioritize this year in state investments,” Lovelett said. “We’ll be negotiating the final pieces of the budget over the coming weeks, but I hope to include a number of important local projects for our communities that improve public safety, expand recreation and educational opportunities, and protect our environment.”
The current proposal includes these projects, but whether they are in the budget that is ultimately passed by the Legislature will depend on negotiations with the House of Representatives.
Projects proposed for the 40th District include:
- $1 million for the Skagit EMS Communication network upgrade
- ·1 million for the Lopez Island Swim Center
- More than $60 million for Western Washington University classroom upgrades and Sciences Building addition and renovation
- More than $2 million for Port of Bellingham Cornwall Avenue Landfill remedial cleanup
- $1 million for Mt. Baker Theater renovation
- $500,000 for Padilla Bay federal capital projects
- $200,000 for the Washington Park boat launch repair in Anacortes
- $250,000 for YMCA Camp Orkila
Statewide, Lovelett said, the budget invests in the areas of need that matter most to the people of the 40th District:
- $200 million in behavioral health
- $175 million in the Housing Trust Fund
- $230 million in toxics cleanup and stormwater management to local governments
- $14 million for forest hazard reduction and wildlife protection
- $310 million is devoted to orca recovery, salmon habitat restoration, conservation programs and recreational opportunities
“This proposed budget prioritizes the needs of our communities and environment,” said Lovelett. “I’m proud to have contributed my voice for the projects and investments that make our special corner of Washington such an extraordinary place to live, work and play. I will continue to work hard to keep these elements in the budget as we work through the process to get it to the finish line.”
Yes, but what is not mentioned is that the Democratic budget proposes a six percent ferry fare increase, plus a 75 cent added “capital surcharge” for vehicles. So instead of stepping up and funding the capital part of the ferries budget–fares are already cover as much as two-thirds of operating costs–the legislative proposal places still more of the system’s capital needs onto WSF’s customers.
And just to add insult to injury, the long-range WSF plan proposes absolutely no increase in capacity between Anacortes and the San Juans for the next twenty years.
Perhaps Senator Lovelett (and her Democratic colleagues) should have a rethink about the transportation budget and pay more attention to the needs of ferry-dependent communities.
Bob- you make excellent points regarding the proposed budget. I see Lopez is receiving $1 million for a swim center. The message from Olympia to the islands is clear: no ferry improvements, learn to swim.