Main Street program supported by House

OLYMPIA  — A bill championed by the downtown business community of Moses Lake passed through the House of Representatives on Monday with overwhelming support.

House Bill 2704, which is aimed at saving funding for the Washington Main Street Program, was co-sponsored by Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-13th district. It passed a vote of the full House, 91-7.

The Main Street Program, launched in 1991, was designed to help communities with downtown revitalization programs. It gave no funding to the cities, but it provided technical assistance and training. Over the years its budget was cut to a current low of $120,000.

That budget was being threatened by Gov. Christine Gregoire in her attempt to balance the state budget. Downtown organizations from around the state rallied legislative support and put up a fight to save the budget.

Proponents of the bill, including Executive Director Marianne Bondi of the Moses Lake Business Association, say the Main Street Program is one of the most successful in the state. It has helped communities create 11,810 jobs in 3,721 new and/or expanded businesses.

The bill now goes to the Senate. Supporters are cautiously optimistic, according to Bondi. She noted more than 25 percent of the Senate, including Republican Sen. Janea Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, is signed on as sponsors.

“It is more important than ever that we prioritize public spending and support for programs that have a proven record,” Holmquist said.