FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2010
Ranker touts job creating investments in 40th district
OLYMPIA – After a 29-day Special Session adjourned on Monday, 40th District Sen. Kevin Ranker said a number of investments in the state’s capital and transportation budgets will bring new jobs to the area.
“Not only have we been able to maintain funding for the projects in last year’s budget, we’re able to bring additional resources in to the district to help our communities and create jobs,” Ranker said.
The state’s $5.9 billion Capital investment and construction and $8.5 billion Transportation budgets fund a number of projects in the 40th district, creating jobs and investing in local communities.
Locally, the Capital projects included $375,000 for the purchase of a permanent location for the San Juan Farmer’s market and $250,000 to restore Bellingham’s Pickford Theater.
“Both of these projects bring our communities together, promote tourism, create jobs and preserve historic places,” Ranker said. “I am so pleased we were able to secure this critical funding.”
The budget also contained a number of investments for Puget Sound.
“Returning Puget Sound to a healthy state is one of my biggest priorities,” Ranker said. “We’ve allocated $50 million to invest in storm water cleanup, along with $40 million for toxic cleanup projects – investments that show our determination in water quality efforts.”
The Transportation budget for new construction projects includes $109,000 for pedestrian improvements along SR-20 near Anacortes and $364,000 for resurfacing projects on SR-11 northwest of Burlington. The Transportation budget also maintains funding for Washington State Ferry projects and existing projects on I-5.
“The Transportation budget is keeping our roads safe and our vehicles moving smoothly, all while putting 18,000 to work in jobs across Washington,” Ranker said.
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For more information: Chase Gallagher, 360-786-7326
For interviews: Sen. Kevin Ranker, 360-786-7678