Construction projects at school districts across the state will continue this year because of a House bill signed by the governor yesterday that restores a depleted construction assistance fund. Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Queen Anne), a co-sponsor of House Bill 1113, praised the measure as one that puts people to work and ultimately improves the learning environment for students.
"From the moment this legislative session began last month, advancing this bill has been at the top of my priority list," Carlyle said. "We're making a thoughtful, decisive investment in both our kids and our economy when we need it most. I congratulate my colleague Rep. Driscoll, the prime sponsor, for his leadership and ingenuity on addressing this issue."
The measure restores the School Construction Assistance Grant Program, a state fund that many school districts rely on to fund capital projects. The fund has run low due to lower-than-expected revenue and increased demand from schools, putting many school projects at risk. No fiscal impact will occur, as the bill allows for the issuance of bonds to bolster the fund.
Sixty-seven school districts and 159 projects across the state could have been affected had the fund run dry. The bill is expected to help five schools in Seattle, including Wallingford's Hamilton Middle School, which serves large numbers of students from the 36th Legislative District. The other Seattle schools anticipated by the state to receive assistance include South Shore School, South Lake High School, Garfield High School and Cleveland High School.[[In-content Ad]]
