OLYMPIA… Last week, the Washington State Legislature passed this year’s supplemental capital, operating, and transportation budgets, which update the 2023-2025 biennial budget passed last session.

Thirty-fifth district lawmakers, State Senator Drew MacEwen and Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture worked collaboratively to secure over $16 million in capital budget appropriations, nearly $2 million in operating budget appropriations, and $60 million in transportation budget appropriations, respectively.

“The millions we were able to get in this capital budget will make a significant difference in our community, “ MacEwen said. “I am proud to be a member of this 35th District team and what we have been able to accomplish together.”

The largest appropriations included in the capital budget were $4.851 million in public school funding for modernizing the Pioneer School District, $4.8 million in local and community projects funding for the Bremerton/ Mason County Sewer Expansion and the Mason PUD No. 1, Lilliwaup Corner Project, and $1.5 million in housing trust funds for the Boulevard Townhomes Project.

In the transportation budget, $2 million was approved to start the Highway 101 Safety Jersey Barriers from Wallace Kneeland Blvd to the SR3 interchange. The transportation funding obtained ensures continued progress on the SR3 freight corridor project, SR3/Gorst Road widening, pedestrian improvements for the Warren Avenue bridge, and projects for Intercity Transit.

“To all of the 35th District residents who reach out to us about the challenge of commuting on our roadways – we hear you,” MacEwen said. “There will be more to come.”

Rounding out this year’s budget achievements included funding in the operating budget to support our local public utility districts with the costs incurred during WSDOT’s fish barrier removal projects.