Join us April 11 town hall and capital budget highlights

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Now that the 2026 legislative session has wrapped up, I wanted to reach out on a couple of important topics. First, to invite you to my upcoming town hall this Saturday, April 11. Next, as promised in my previous update, to share a brief dive into the recently approved capital construction budget and what it means for our communities here in the 8th District.

Join us for an 8th District town hall

There was a lot that happened this session. From new taxes, to the bills that passed and those that didn’t, to the supplemental budgets that will shape our state moving forward, it’s important we take the time to talk through it together.

That’s why I hope you’ll join me, along with Rep. Stephanie Barnard and Rep. April Connors, for our town hall this Saturday, April 11. These conversations matter. It’s a chance to hear directly from us, ask questions, and share what’s on your mind.

Event details:

Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Columbia Basin College Gjerde Center
2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301
Parking is free

Capital budget investments

In addition to our upcoming town hall, I also want to take a quick look at the 2026 supplemental capital budget and what it means for our region.

First, it’s important to understand what the capital budget is and why it matters. This is the part of the state budget that funds real, tangible projects, the kinds of investments you can see and use every day. We’re talking about schools, water systems, public safety facilities, parks, and other infrastructure that help our communities grow and stay strong.

Because the state budgets on a two-year cycle, the primary capital budget was approved in 2025, with a supplemental update this year. Together, these budgets make meaningful investments across our region.

Supporting agriculture through water infrastructure

So what does that look like in practice? A clear example is how the capital budget supports agriculture through water infrastructure. Agriculture drives our region, and reliable water is essential. Investments can help sustain crops, protect yields, and support jobs across the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas.

One example is the Roza Canal upgrades, where funding will replace sections of the canal and seal others to reduce water loss and improve efficiency. In simple terms, it helps ensure water gets where it’s needed, when it’s needed.

We’re also supporting rural communities through projects like a new water well at Columbia Grange 87 in Lyle, providing reliable drinking water and sanitary service for a historic community gathering place. While outside our district, these investments support communities closely connected to ours.

Delivering results for the 8th District

Below is a list of 8th District and regional projects approved in this year’s supplemental capital budget. I worked closely with legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advocate for these priorities, negotiate their inclusion, and help get them across the finish line.

8th District projects

• $1.5 million – West Richland homeownership project with Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity to construct 18 affordable, owner-occupied townhome duplexes
• $309,000 – Toyota Center HVAC system and security upgrades
• $93,000 – Kennewick Activity Center asbestos abatement

Regional projects supporting the 8th District

• $3.875 million – Roza Canal Floor Replacement (Yakima County)
• $600,000 – Roza Canal Sealing Project (Yakima County)
• $67,000 – Columbia Grange 87 Water Well Project (14th LD)
• $3.2 million – Twin Bridges Road tire pile cleanup (16th LD)
• $1.5 million – Finley School District high school HVAC replacement, including water-source heat pumps (14th LD)
• $1 million – Pasco Regional Police Academy improvements (14th LD)
• $600,000 – City of Richland HVAC replacement, supporting critical broadband infrastructure for city operations and school districts (16th LD)
• $447,000 – Kennewick Irrigation District main canal lining (16th LD)
• $258,000 – Pasco Symbiosis Park North American analysis (14th LD)
• $258,000 – Pasco Reimann Expansion engineering master plan (16th LD)
• $150,000 – Richland Transitional Veterans Home renovation of shared living spaces, including kitchens and bathrooms (16th LD)

For a more comprehensive list of capital construction projects approved this biennium, please see my recent press release. You can also visit this website and select the 8th, 14th, 16^th, or 15th districts to review the state's capital budget projects in detail.

Let’s stay in touch!

Senator Matt Boehnke
8th Legislative District