Dear friends and neighbors,
At the end of every legislative session, I begin the process of gathering community input for projects that I will submit for funding consideration the next year. I’m ecstatic to announce that every one of the projects I sought funding for this year will be fully funded in the proposed budget. The budget passed the Senate this morning on a 49-0 vote. It now advances to the House for further consideration.
I was able to secure funding for a downtown revitalization project for Carnation with the goal of transforming downtown Carnation and supporting local businesses.
The budget proposal also includes additional funding to replace the old and undersized Black Diamond Elementary School with a new, state-of-the-art building. This project will get students and teachers out of portables and into a warm and secure building.
North Bend will benefit from funding provided to finish rehabilitation of the historic Tollgate Farmhouse operated by Si View Metropolitan Parks District.
In addition to these projects, the proposed budget includes funding for several park and trail projects throughout the district.
I will be working hard to ensure that these projects are fully funded when our work here in Olympia is done. After all, these are proposed budgets and not final agreements.
UPDATE: At the beginning of this session, I said that my top priority was to keep traffic moving. That is why I am thrilled that this year’s House Transportation Budget accelerates the timing and funding for a new interchange at Highway 18 and I-90. The project was initially set to begin in 2023 but with these proposed changes, it will begin this year.
Thank you for your engagement,
