Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 28, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke signs state construction budget, economic stimulus bills

LONGVIEW – Gov. Gary Locke today took action on the state construction budget and other economic stimulus bills, signing them into law during a morning ceremony at the Port of Longview.

The governor referred to the construction budget (Engrossed Senate Bill 6396) as “a product of terrific, bipartisan cooperation in the Legislature,” particularly from state Sens. Darlene Fairley and Joseph Zarelli, of the state Senate’s Capital Budget Subcommittee, and state Rep. Ed Murray, chair of the state House Capital Budget Committee.

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the governor put $880 million in projects supported by general obligation bonds on hold because the economy slowed rapidly and the state was not certain it could finance all those bonds.

Locke today approved the state’s general obligation bond legislation, Senate Bill 6818.

“Because the Legislature agreed on an innovative financing plan, we not only can go ahead with the $880 million in projects, but we also can provide an additional $110 million for other new projects, most of which can get under way this spring and summer, saving or creating 4,000 jobs we need now,” Locke said.

“Many of the projects we are financing are small, urgently needed renovations, repairs and upgrades to classroom buildings in community colleges all across the state,” the governor said.

The budget also includes projects at state parks, mental health and corrections facilities and four-year state colleges and universities across Washington. Local, private companies employing local people are slated to perform the construction work.

Locke also signed House Bill 2537, the Public Works Trust Fund bill, which puts $206 million into construction projects in local communities for repairs to sewer, water, road and recycling facilities.

The governor thanked state Rep. Jim McIntire for sponsoring the legislation, and added, “This bill will create about 2,500 jobs now, providing an immediate economic stimulus in every part of the state.”

In addition, Locke signed into law Substitute House Bill 2425, which provides $19 million over four years for the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). The board encourages companies to locate in rural or economically depressed parts of the state by funding critical economic development infrastructure such as water, roads, bridges and telecommunications.

Statewide, more than 18,000 jobs have been created or retained by businesses supported by CERB projects. CERB recently provided funds to the Port of Longview to assist in the relocation of Brown-Strauss Steel.

The governor took action on Substitute Senate Bill 5400, the final piece of legislation for the Longview ceremony, to allow CERB funding for political subdivisions and federally-recognized Indian tribes for public facilities.

“In many cases, tribes are in the best position to stimulate economic development in rural areas,” Locke said.

---

Related Links:
- Washington State Legislature
- Bill Information
- Sen. Darlene Fairley (D-32)
- Sen. Joseph Zarelli (R-18)
- Rep. Ed Murray (D-43)
- Rep. Jim McIntire (D-46)

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive