House Capital Budget proposal invests in Southwest Washington infrastructure, schools, and public safety

The Washington State House of Representatives unveiled its 2025-27 Capital Budget proposal today, a $7.63 billion spending plan focused on K-12 school construction, public infrastructure, behavioral health facilities, affordable housing, and economic development. 

As the Assistant Ranking Member on the House Capital Budget Committee, Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, played a key role in crafting the budget and securing critical funding for Southwest Washington. Over the next four weeks, the House Capital Budget Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee will work together in a bicameral and bipartisan way to craft the final Capital Budget. The proposed Senate Capital Budget will be available later today.

“This proposed budget is the product of bipartisan work and a commitment to building stronger communities across Washington,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “We propose making responsible investments in education, housing, public safety, behavioral health, and infrastructure while ensuring accountability and long-term benefits for the taxpayers.”

Statewide highlights from proposed House Bill 1216:

K-12 School Construction and Education Facilities

  • $563 million for the School Construction Assistance Program, providing state funds to school districts for building and modernizing facilities.
  • $249.5 million for the Small District and Tribal Compact Schools Modernization program, ensuring rural and tribal schools have access to funding for crucial upgrades.
  • $151.4 million for the School Seismic Safety Grant Program, helping schools upgrade and retrofit buildings for earthquake resilience.
  • $91.7 million for early learning facilities, expanding access to high-quality early education and childcare centers.
  • $18.5 million for the School District Health and Safety program, which provides emergency and urgent repair grants.

Housing and Homeownership

  • $598 million for the Housing Trust Fund, which includes:
    • $100 million for permanent supportive housing, ensuring stable housing for those experiencing homelessness.
    • $80 million for homeownership opportunities, helping first-time, low-income homebuyers achieve the American Dream.
    • $50 million for housing for individuals with developmental disabilities, providing safe and accessible living spaces.
    • $100 million for the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP), funding critical utility improvements to support affordable housing development.
    • $10 million for youth shelters and housing, ensuring young people have safe places to live.

Behavioral Health and Public Safety

  • $282 million for the completion of Western State Hospital, supporting mental health treatment and inpatient services.
  • $132.7 million in Behavioral Health Capacity grants for community-based crisis stabilization, inpatient services, and youth behavioral health programs.
  • $22.1 million to expand the Maple Lane civil bed capacity, ensuring additional beds for mental health patients.
  • $4.5 million for screening and security improvements at Green Hill School in Chehalis, enhancing safety at the juvenile rehabilitation facility.

Infrastructure and Economic Development

  • $400 million for the Public Works Board to provide grants and loans for local government infrastructure projects, including water, sewer, and road improvements.
  • $75 million for the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to support economic development through infrastructure grants for job-creating projects.
  • $50 million for Local and Community Projects, providing funding for community-driven economic revitalization efforts.

Flood Control and Natural Resources

  • $70 million for the Chehalis Basin Strategy, supporting flood mitigation and restoration of aquatic habitats.
  • $59.6 million for Floodplains by Design, addressing flood risks while restoring critical habitats.
  • $105 million for the Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant program, improving fish passage and habitat.
  • $27.1 million for the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board program, helping local governments remove barriers that hinder fish migration.
  • $40 million for streamflow restoration grants, ensuring sustainable water management.

Energy and Climate Investments

  • $50 million to the Clean Energy Fund, supporting research, development, and deployment of innovative clean energy technologies.
  • $36 million for the Weatherization Plus Health program, which improves energy efficiency in low-income households while addressing health and safety concerns.
  • $30 million for high-efficiency electric appliance rebates, focusing on low- and moderate-income households, renters, small businesses, and non-profits.
  • $28 million for public school indoor air quality improvements, funding HVAC upgrades and filtration systems.

Key proposed investments in the 20th Legislative District:

Abbarno and his seatmate Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, helped secure millions in targeted investments for local projects in Southwest Washington, including:

  • School Construction Grants:
    • Green Mountain School District – $6 million
    • Morton School District – $5 million
    • Onalaska School District – $1.827 million
    • Mossyrock School District – $1.075 million
  • City of Centralia Nitrate Mitigation Infrastructure – $5 million
    Investment in improving drinking water quality and safety.
  • Green Hill School Screening and Security Improvements (Chehalis) – $4.5 million
    Enhancing security measures at the juvenile rehabilitation facility.
  • Criminal Justice Training Center (Ridgefield) – $3.5 million
    Expand regional law enforcement training and employment opportunities.
  • Pioneer Slope Stabilization (Ridgefield) – $1.545 million
    Funding to prevent erosion and landslides, ensuring public safety.
  • Borst Park Field Lights (Centralia) – $1.092 million
    Upgrades lighting to expand sports and recreational opportunities for youth.
  • Southwest Washington Fairgrounds (Centralia/Chehalis) – $767,000
    Enhancements to this regional hub for community events and economic activity.
  • Cascade Community Health and United Learning Center (Centralia) – $525,000
    Expands early learning and healthcare access for families in Centralia.
  • Austin Point Water Recreation Park (Woodland) – $522,000
    Supports the development of a new waterfront recreation area.
  • Southwest Washington Dance Center (Chehalis) – $152,000
    Supports arts and community engagement through facility improvements.

Abbarno emphasized that these investments are community-up, not Olympia-down, and will have a lasting impact on the region. “This proposed budget is about strengthening our communities and ensuring they have the resources needed to grow and thrive,” Abbarno added. “While the final version may change as we negotiate with the Senate, I am committed to delivering results that support our local schools, public safety, and infrastructure.”

The House Capital Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 1216 on Tuesday, April 1, at 8:00 a.m.

Learn More:

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov