Rep. Volz: Funds will help improve safety
CHENEY — The state’s 2024-25 supplemental capital budget includes money to improve traffic routes for students and families headed to Snowdon Elementary School.
The budget earmarks $419,000 for improving transportation routes in and around the 6323 S. Holly Road school.
“The additional money for transportation projects in this supplemental budget will positively impact the transportation system in our communities,” 6th Legislative District Rep. Mike Volz said. “For example, the project for Snowdon will improve safety for kids, which is always a priority.”
“I’m glad we secured funding for the important safe routes to school project at Snowdon Elementary School,” added Rep. Jenny Graham, the other 6th District representative.
Graham is also a Spokane Republican.
The funds were part of the funding package introduced as Senate Bill 5949, which appropriated $1.33 billion for projects statewide.
Funding for 6th Legislative District projects include:
• $300,000 for the engineering and surveying of wildfire recovery.
• $515,000 for the transloading containment sewer area.
• $2.1 million for the State Veterans Cemetery burial and columbarium expansion.
• $35,000 for a Great Northern School District planning grant.
“Securing funding for the mighty 6th District was a collaborative achievement that fills me with gratitude,” Graham said. “The funds will be crucial in supporting various projects, such as aiding wildfire recovery, contributing to our education system and addressing key public works needs.”
Volz also expressed the importance of these projects.
“Like every district, we have many needs in our area,” he said. “We tried to do more, but we know what we were able to get will make a difference.”
Outside of the district, the budget also funds other projects. It includes:
• $148.8 million for behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, for new community capacity, institutional or state-run capacity, and upgrades and maintenance to existing facilities.
• $183.64 million for new housing units and upgrades to existing units.
• $128.64 million for new housing projects.
• $335.2 million for K-12 school construction.
• $127.86 million for higher education.
• $210.87 million for natural resources.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, columnist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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