Nearly $170M funded for District 13 projects in WA budget

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature approved the 2023-25 capital construction budget on Saturday, the day before session came to a close. The budget includes nearly $170 million for projects in the three counties that make up District 13.

“This spending plan will make a lasting impact on our communities in the 13th District and across the state. It was great to see such a strong bipartisan effort at an important time for our local economies and communities,” said Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, in a joint release by Dist. 13 legislators. “This well-balanced plan addresses needed community projects and infrastructure improvements related to schools, mental health, water and forest health in our region.”

Projects in the capital budget are separated into a variety of categories which determines where the money will come from. “Local and Community Projects,” which often originate from requests by cities or community groups, are set to receive nearly $4 million. They include $258,000 for Larson Playfield Irrigation Conversion in Moses Lake, $85,000 for the Menastash Grange Revitalization and Expansion in Ellensburg, $1.16 million for Yakima’s MLK Jr. Park and Swimming Pool, $77,000 for the Rosalyn Old City Hall Community Center and $518,000 for the Ellensburg Pond to Pines Infrastructure, among others.

Some other projects, local to Grant County, that were funded in the budget include $250,000 for the rehabilitation of the Grant County Courthouse, $31,000 for a mental health quiet room in Moses Lake and $350,000 for a new soccer field in Royal City.

“Big opportunities will come from this budget. I’m pleased with the work we’ve accomplished for the 13th District,” Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy said in the release. “These well-thought-out local construction, infrastructure and repair projects will serve our communities well, supporting economic vitality and regional growth for years to come.”

Two other projects funded were the new Samaritan Hospital and the Confluence Health radiation treatment center, both in Moses Lake. Samaritan will receive $8.4 million and Confluence Health will receive $3.8 million.

“It was through a new pot of money that was put together,” Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, said. “That was a house move, and then we accepted it, because I wasn't able to get much more than a million or a million and a half because we had limitations. The Senate had a limit on member requests. The house figured out a way to include a new budget item having to do with health care facilities.”

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