Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, and Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature
OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke, Rep. April Connors, and Rep. Stephanie Barnard are championing critical 8th District investments included in the proposed 2025-27 House and Senate capital budgets. Both proposals must still be reconciled before final approval by the Legislature and the governor.
The state’s capital budget funds construction and improvement projects that support public schools, colleges and universities, correctional and juvenile rehabilitation facilities, behavioral health institutions, state offices, parks and recreational facilities, low-income housing, museums and cultural facilities, local government infrastructure, environmental cleanup, and habitat conservation and restoration.
Proposed investments specific to the 8th District include:
- $3.8 million – Three Rivers Recovery Housing
- $750,000 – Columbia Park East Boat Launch replacement
- $515,000 – Road 80 Neighborhood Park
- $342,000 – Food distribution and storage improvements
- $309,000 – Municipal Services Facility backup power generator
- $280,000 – Tri-Tech Skills Center HVAC RTU replacement
- $88,000 – Tri-Cities Community Health
Additional regional projects benefiting the 8th District and located in the Tri-Cities area include:
- $54 million – Columbia Basin College performing arts center replacement (16th LD)
- $40 million – Capital preservation at Washington State University Tri-Cities (16th LD)
- $18 million – Columbia Basin College student housing construction (16th LD)
- Over $5 million – Other Columbia Basin College projects (16th LD)
- $4 million – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory test bed (16th LD)
- $1.425 million – Boys & Girls Club, Pasco (14th LD)
- $1.03 million – Columbia Basin Health Association (16th LD)
- $1 million – Benton REA wildfire resilience project (15th LD)
- $1 million – Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum (16th LD)
- $927,000 – Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center renovation and expansion (14th LD)
- $865,000 – Boys & Girls Club, Prosser (15th LD)
- $700,000 – Grid-scale coordination (16th LD)
- $187,000 – Richland Readiness Center AV installation (16th LD)
A list of all proposed capital budget projects can be found here.
Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick:
“The proposed capital budgets make meaningful investments in the future of the 8th District, supporting education, public safety, and critical infrastructure. These projects would strengthen our communities, create growth opportunities, and improve the quality of life for residents. I remain committed to ensuring these investments receive final approval and that our district continues to receive the support it needs to thrive.”
Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick:
“Our region is a vital part of Washington’s economy. The capital investments we’re fighting for are more than just line items-they’re a reflection of our values and vision. We want to support families, create opportunities, and strengthen our workforce while enhancing public spaces and fueling future growth. I’m committed to doing everything I can to ensure these projects are included in the final budget.”
Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco:
“These proposals put people first. Even as other parts of the state budget face shortfalls, the capital budget seeks to deliver targeted, responsible investments right here in the Tri-Cities region. From expanding health services at Tri-Cities Community Health to upgrading school facilities at Tri-Tech Skills Center, and upgrading key infrastructure at WSU Tri-Cities and Benton REA, these are the kinds of projects that make a real difference-and we’re doing it in a fiscally responsible way.”
The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn Sunday, April 27.