News: Construction budget includes millions for islands

House Democrats released plans for their construction budget Friday, announcing $2.45 billion to fund school construction, parks, museums, arts projects and local building projects across the state.

The 40th Legislative District, which includes western Skagit County, southwestern Whatcom County and the San Juan Islands, is slated to receive nearly $40 million.

“I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Anacortes. “This is an investment in our future. Among other things, Western Washington University is getting a new communications center, an undergraduate center and a new telescope for the planetarium.”

According to Morris, funding for these projects would translate into badly needed construction jobs at a time when the state is still mired in a recession.

The proposal also has nearly several million dollars for parkland in the San Juans, funds to renovate a softball field at Skagit Playfields, and money for Lopez Children’s Center, Orcas Sculpture Park and Lincoln Theater in Mount Vernon.

Specifically, the budget — which must be approved by the House and Senate — includes:

— Obstruction Pass, Orcas Island, State Parks: $1,030,000.

— Sharks Reef, Lopez Island: $374,750.

— Lopez Children's Center: $220,000.

— Lopez Island Historical Society: $60,000.

— Orcas Sculpture Park: $15,000.

“There are some very major, multi-million-dollar projects here. But it’s important not to overlook the small things that really make a difference,” said Rep. Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon.

“Better drainage on the softball field, more parkland at Obstruction Pass and Shark’s Reef — people really care about that.”

The proposed construction budget also includes $300,000 to help Skagit Community College start the process of replacing an old and unsafe science building.

The construction budget, known as the Capital Budget, is one of three separate and distinct budgets managed by the state. The other two are the general operating budget (facing a $2.6 billion deficit) and the transportation budget of which the major funding source is the gas tax.

The plan released Friday is expected to generate more than 24,000 jobs across the state and will provide housing for 14,000 seniors and the disabled who otherwise would struggle to find shelter. It also includes $420 million in school construction funds, and will establish a $1 billion education-only trust fund.

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