Almost $3 million for 11th district projects

February 21, 2008

OLYMPIA – Following the announcement of the Supplemental Capital Budget, Rep. Bob Hasegawa (D – Seattle) released information that would impact the 11th Legislative District.

New additions to the budget include $1,000,000 going toward the Puget Sound Industrial Excellence Center (Duwamish Training Center); $734,000 for the Seattle Crime Lab expansion; and $1,175,000 for the Aviation High School.

“Although this is a supplemental budget in a year with limited spending, the monies we’re receiving will greatly benefit the community,” said Hasegawa.  “The Puget Sound Industrial Excellence Center is a prime example of that, because it houses a wide array of apprenticeship programs. This is how members of the community can work their way into family-wage jobs. The center is an economic development partnership between South Seattle Community College, businesses and the community.”

The safety of the community was also on the minds of lawmakers when they reserved $734,000 for the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab expansion. 

“We have an actual CSI lab right here in our 11th district,” said Hasegawa.  “And just like you see on TV shows, forensic evidence is crucial in both finding the guilty parties, as well as in proving someone’s innocence. This investment to expand our CSI lab will be of great help for law enforcement not only in our district, but throughout the state.”

Funds for the third project in the proposed supplemental budget will go toward beginning construction for the Aviation High School’s new site at the Museum of Flight. The Aviation High School is a unique educational model that taps into students’ interest in flying to motivate them to do well in technical academic areas like math and science.

These three budget wins are part of a total $14,788,100 in the biennium for local projects in the 11th district.