Senior House generator gets the nod in state budget

Small $15,000 grant will go a long way

Mar. 13, 2008

OLYMPIA – Verna McDonald of the Senior House in Westport is tenacious in her efforts for the needs of South Beach Seniors. She approached Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen) last year to ask about funding for a generator and fuel tank so the Senior House could continue to function during power outages.

Thanks to a $15,000 grant in the state’s 2008 capital budget, that generator will be ready for the next time the power goes out.

"Many seniors depend on Senior House for their one hot meal of the day," said Blake. "I’m very happy the state can help make sure they have power."

Last December’s devastating storms hammered home the need, when Senior House lost power. During the storm, Blake stopped in at the Senior House to see if there was anything he could do. They had no power and they were feeding folks cold sandwiches. The Coast Guard was bringing over hot coffee because they understood the need.

When the local rental place managed to get generators delivered, they took the first one over to the Senior House.

Blake put the generator request in the House capital budget and made sure it was included in the final budget, which passed the Legislature today (Mar. 13).

"South Beach seniors will have somewhere to go to keep warm and have a hot meal the next time a storm strikes the Coast, and that’s a worthwhile project," said Blake.

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2008 Supplemental Capital Budget (Senior House grant is on page 29)http://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/2008/ccHouse2008CapBill_0312.pdf