OLYMPIA – Money to build a new cafeteria at Marysville Pilchuck High School and a future home for Washington State University in Everett have survived their first legislative test.
On Thursday, the state House overwhelmingly approved a $3.7 billion capital budget with money for those two construction projects and to support needs of several community groups.
Under the plan, the Marysville School District could receive up to $7 million toward replacing the cafeteria where a deadly shooting occurred in October. The budget directs $5 million to the district. In addition, the district could qualify for $2 million in state dollars to match what it spends.
The House plan provides WSU with $54.6 million to construct a future home for the University Center consortium it manages at Everett Community College. The proposed four-story structure would be built in the parking lot of the College Plaza shopping center that is owned by the community college.
Also included is $500,000 to replace turf at Kasch Park in Everett; $300,000 for Stanwood to study possible sites for relocating its city campus; $296,000 to Skate Darrington for development of a skate park; and $250,000 to help repair the roof on the Edmonds Center for the Arts.
The House passed its capital budget on a 96-2 vote with Rep. Elizabeth Scott, R-Monroe, casting one of the two votes against the bill.
A capital budget proposal by Senate Republicans is expected to be released next week. Once it is passed, the two chambers will try to reconcile the differences.
Meanwhile, the state Senate worked into the early morning hours Friday, debating dozens of amendments to a proposed operating budget crafted by Republicans, but a final vote won’t happen until Monday at the earliest.
House Democrats pushed through their own $38.8 billion plan for state spending Thursday. Once the Senate acts, the two chambers will begin negotiations on a compromise budget.
The legislative session is scheduled to end April 26.
The Associated Press contributed. Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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