Rep. Johnson: House capital budget proposal includes millions for 14th District
Funds included for early learning center, school soil cleanup, YVCC building
More than $15 million has been included in the proposed House capital budget for construction and soil cleanup projects in the 14th District, Rep. Norm Johnson announced today.
“At a time when Yakima County’s unemployment rate is exceeding 10 and a half percent, this budget would provide needed jobs to help stimulate our local economy,” said Johnson, R-Yakima.
Under the preliminary House capital budget proposal, $1 million is provided for the Ready by Five Learning Center.
“This is an important facility for young children. It helps to give them a head start in early learning so they are ready when they reach kindergarten,” said Johnson.
More than $2.3 million dollars would be provided for soil cleanup at Barge Lincoln, Gilbert, Hoover, Robertson and Whitney elementary schools, Wilson Middle School, East Valley Intermediate School, West Valley Junior High School and West Valley High School.
“Years ago, orchardists used lead arsenic as a pesticide for apples. Although that practice was discontinued, lead arsenic leached into the ground and also was spread through the air to soils in our area,” noted Johnson. “We want to ensure a safe environment for children in our schools. Some of the soils have tested positive for lead arsenic, so the money appropriated in this proposed budget would pay for soil cleanup to ensure that school grounds are safe.”
Johnson said just over $1.4 million is included for replacement of Palmer and Martin Halls on the Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) campus. Funding is also provided for a water storage study in the Yakima River Basin, repaving of a parking lot at the Ahtanum View Corrections Center, and facility repairs at YVCC.
“In this budget, we are bringing our tax money back home to provide services and facilities for local citizens and their families to use,” said Johnson. “This is a great bricks-and-mortar investment plan that would create jobs while providing infrastructure for our communities, schools for our children, parks for our families, and build a better quality of life for Washington.”
The budget measure, House Bill 1216, is scheduled for public hearing tomorrow (Thursday) in the House Capital Budget Committee.
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