The $1.5 billion 2022 supplemental capital budget approved by the Legislature this session is set to make further investments in housing, infrastructure, mental health facilities, broadband, and school seismic safety.

In addition to the more than $25 million in local project funding 35th District Reps. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, and Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, secured in the 2021-23 capital budget, they were able to secure another $5.3 million in this year’s budget.

Some of the investments for the district include:

• $3.25 million to upgrade the headworks at the Shelton Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), which provide screening for the removal of debris and grit to protect pumps and membranes used in downstream treatment processes. Completion of this project will eventually allow the City of Shelton to end discharges into Oakland Bay, decrease negative impacts to our local shellfish industry, and improve overall water quality in the area.
• $1.28 million for the design and construction of modular buildings and the creation of office space and confidential mental health screening booths for incarcerated individuals at Washington Corrections Center (WCC) in Shelton.
• $550,000 for Rustlewood Water System upgrades, which will provide much-needed water system reliability improvements and help reduce downstream risk of potential damage to lower elevation properties.
• $400,000 for improvements to water systems being operated by the Port of Allyn.
• $300,000 toward the new Allyn Community Center.
• $250,000 to upgrade the HVAC system at the Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton.
• $206,000 to provide secure parking for the Shelton Police Department and Municipal Court in order to improve overall safety for officers and employees.

The lawmakers released the following statement on the 2022 supplemental capital budget:

“While bipartisan collaboration and agreement on the state’s operating budget remains elusive, that isn’t the case when it comes to the state’s capital budget. The budget we passed this year is one all lawmakers can be proud of, as it builds on the critical investments we made last year in schools, mental and behavioral health, water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, affordable housing, our environment, and more. Locally, we were able to secure additional funding for important projects that will result in stronger infrastructure, a cleaner environment, and safer communities. We’re excited about these much-needed investments in our district and look forward to seeing construction get underway.”

The capital budget was approved 49-0 in the Senate and 98-0 in the House. It is currently on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

The 2022 supplemental transportation budget approved by the Legislature this session will provide $11.6 billion for the 2021-23 transportation budget. Funds are allocated for the maintenance and preservation of current transportation systems, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Washington State Ferry system, the Washington State Patrol, and other state transportation agencies.

In both budgets, MacEwen and Griffey retained funding for all existing Connecting Washington transportation projects in the 35th District. The lawmakers also worked to ensure several items, including those listed below, were incorporated into the budget. For a complete list of projects, click here.

• $12 million for the Highway 3 Freight Corridor, also known as the Belfair Bypass.
• $2.6 million for US 101/Lynch Road intersection improvements.
• $2.54 million in funding for Mason Transit Park and Ride development.
• $2.3 million in additional funding for the future Silverdale Transit Center.
• $650,000 for Wallace Kneeland Boulevard and Shelton Springs Road intersection improvements.

For years, MacEwen has pushed for a change in how the transportation budget is funded, calling on lawmakers to forego tax increases and shift funding from the abundance in the general fund to pay for transportation projects. This concept appeared in multiple pieces of transportation policy this session, including the new Move Ahead Washington transportation plan that contains more than $2 billion in general fund transfers.  

For his part, Griffey championed two bipartisan bills this session that were included in the supplemental transportation budget. One directs WSDOT to ensure rest areas are open for the use of the traveling public, while the other directs WSDOT to install informational posters in rest areas that provide an opportunity for trafficked victims to memorize a phone number and get help.

In addition, both lawmakers voted in favor of Senate Bill 5488, which will allocate more state funding for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge account. With this new infusion of funding, the Washington State Transportation Commission is expected to be able to reduce tolls on the bridge.

MacEwen and Griffey released the following statement on the 2022 supplemental transportation budget:

“After last year’s big hit to the transportation budget as a result of the pandemic, we came into session this year with much higher hopes for the future of transportation in Washington. The supplemental budget the Legislature approved will help fund critical projects throughout the state, including many here in the 35th District.

“Taking care of our growing transportation needs remains one of our top priorities. We are backing up the promises we have made to our constituents by ensuring work on State Route 3 and on other projects continues without interruption. These improvements are vital to the progress of our district.”

The 2022 supplemental transportation budget was approved 45-4 in the Senate and 93-5 in the House. It, too, is on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature.