News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 22, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  John LaRocque, Public Works Board, 360-725-5010

Gov. Gary Locke Signs Public Works Bill into Law to Create New Jobs Across the State

OLYMPIA – March 22, 2004 – Gov. Gary Locke today signed House Bill 2859 into law, authorizing loans totaling more than $236 million for 79 public works projects across the state.

The 56 local governments that will receive the Public Works Trust Fund loans are contributing an additional $246 million into these projects, bringing the total investment to more than $482 million. This will generate more than 11,000 construction-related jobs and more than $1 billion in economic activity for the state.

Locke congratulated the local governments for investing in their future and recognized the Public Works Board for having to make difficult decisions in selecting these projects.

“This bill will create new jobs now while improving infrastructure for the future,” Locke said. “We need to move these dollars out as soon as possible to put people to work and grow our economy.”

This is the most money ever offered in the board’s 20 years of service. Contracts will be issued immediately so that projects can take advantage of this year’s construction cycle.

The Legislature created the Public Works Assistance Account in 1985 to assist local governments and special purpose districts with financing the repair, replacement or improvement of bridges, roads, water and sewer systems, and solid waste and recycling facilities.

The revenue source for the account includes utility and sales taxes on water, sewer and garbage service, and a portion of the real estate excise tax. The account also receives revenue from repayments from past loans. For a complete list of projects, go to www.pwb.wa.gov.

Related Links:
- Public Works Board


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