Rep. Peter Abbarno helps deliver capital budget funding to 20th District for local projects

A $1.5 billion bipartisan supplemental capital budget approved Tuesday in the state House of Representatives includes more than $9.3 million for projects throughout the 20th Legislative District, Rep. Peter Abbarno announced today.

Abbarno, who serves as assistant ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee, said this year’s supplemental capital budget reflects many of the priorities of the citizens he represents.

“This is a jobs budget that strengthens the bones of our communities. We invest millions in K-12 school construction, mental and behavioral health, housing, broadband and other infrastructure,” said Abbarno, R-Centralia. “I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort that returns taxpayer money home to our district for important local projects that help create jobs, economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for Washingtonians.”

Some statewide highlights include:

  • $100 million for seismic safety retrofits to school buildings at high risk of severe earthquake damage;
  • $60 million for grants to expand and add capacity for crisis triage and crisis stabilization facilities for adults, including $12 million for at least two residential crisis stabilization facilities for youth;
  • $120 million for the Public Works Board to issue grants and loans to local governments for infrastructure projects;
  • $100 million for broadband infrastructure grants;
  • $40 million for the Community Economic Revitalization Board to assist local governments in financing economic development infrastructure improvements;
  • $300 million for rapid capital housing acquisition for the quick conversion into shelters, permanent supportive housing, or transitional housing, including $60 million for the rapid, permanent supportive housing programs;
  • $114.5 million for the Housing Trust Fund, including $25 million for projects benefitting first-time home buyers, and $16.4 million for specified projects;
  • $9 million for grants to local governments and public utility districts to assist in the cost of utility connections for affordable housing projects; and
  • $236 million for the Water Pollution Control Revolving Program to construct or improve water pollution control facilities and nonpoint source activities.

Local 20th District projects funded in the 2021-23 supplemental capital budget include:

  • $6 million for a water system improvement project in Morton;
  • $2 million for upgrades to the Lewis County Fire District #5 station and construction in Napavine;
  • $875,000 for the Lewis County Regional Tennis and Wrestling facility in Chehalis;
  • $750,000 for the Oakview Elementary School in the Centralia School District;
  • $515,000 for a playground in Tenino;
  • $515,000 for the Woodland Community Library Building project; and
  • $155,000 for the North Trailhead restroom and covered shelter in Castle Rock.

“This construction budget will improve our communities, create economic opportunities, and puts people to work. It’s a great budget for our state and the 20th District,” said Abbarno.

The budget measure, Senate Bill 5651, passed the House unanimously. It still must gain Senate concurrence before being sent to the governor.

The 2022 legislative session is scheduled to end Thursday, March 10.

PHOTO: Rep. Peter Abbarno talks with Lewis County Fire District #5 Fire Chief Dan Mahoney. The supplemental capital budget provides $2 million for upgrades at the Napavine fire facilities.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov