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February 21, 2024
Dear Monroe Residents,
I appreciate the opportunity to represent your community and have worked hard alongside your elected officials to ensure that the state keeps communities like Monroe in mind when developing budgets and policies. After the state redesigned the legislative district boundaries just several months ago, I was initially nervous about representing a new area and only knew a few people. However, your city officials, school board, and community members have welcomed me, which I have greatly appreciated. Working together, we have already secured some very positive benefits for Monroe.
Thank you, City of Monroe!
 I enjoyed a visit with your city officials during your city council’s recent visit to the State Capitol. Councilmembers from left to right: Kyle Fisher, Kirk Scarboro, myself, Kevin Hanford, Heather Fulcher, Jacob Walker, and Tami Beaumont.
Monroe municipal campus project
The City of Monroe’s municipal building is in the process of receiving a significant remodel after several decades in operation. The approximate $17 million project is underway and expected to be completed in late 2025. The city has received $1.1 million from the 2023-2025 capital budget. The city’s facility, which once served as a local car dealership in the 1960s, was first utilized for city services in 1977. It has not received significant upgrades in over 30 years. The council chambers and staff offices will share the facility with the municipal and community courts. The court facilities will also receive improvements for use as a therapeutic court for people experiencing substance use challenges. Monroe’s campus modernization will include plenty of natural light and public seating. The overall remodeling and renovation project will be completed in late 2025. I was honored to work alongside City of Monroe officials and my 12th District seatmates to support this project.
 After several years in operation, Monroe’s municipal building will receive much-needed improvements. The approximate $17 million project received $1.1 million from the state’s 2023-2025 capital budget. It will include remodeled council and court facilities, improved access for people with disabilities, and fire protection upgrades. For more information, click here.
State Route 522 widening project
Another important project for Monroe residents is the completion of the State Route 522 widening project. This is a project I have had multiple discussions about with Mayor Geoffrey Thomas, who has communicated the community’s strong desire for completion. To provide an update, the state has appropriated over $30 million toward this project, including $10 million in the 2022 “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package. The design includes widening SR 522 between Monroe and Maltby and adding an interchange at Paradise Lake Road and Maltby Road. The two elements (widening and interchange) are combined as one project for efficiency and to improve overall traffic flow.
 I am honored to represent Monroe as part of the new 12th Legislative District. As a Senate Transportation Committee member, I work hard to advocate for our local communities. I will continue to keep “Finishing 522” a top transportation priority.
Construction funding needed
Based on my communications with the Washington State Department of Transportation and others, currently funded activities involve design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition, which includes purchasing properties for the widening and interchange. Once this phase is completed, the project is eligible to advance to its construction phase, which could cost $260 million or more. This portion of the project still needs to be funded. Due to the construction cost, this project will not likely be funded in a regular two-year transportation budget. Still, it could be eligible for inclusion in the next transportation investment package. This package will likely be developed during the 2025 session.
State Route 522 near Monroe
 The design will widen SR 522 between Monroe and Maltby and add an interchange at Paradise Lake Road and Maltby Road. Over $30 million has been appropriated to the project. Current activities include design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition. This portion funds $15 million in 2023-2025 and $16 million in 2025-2027. Construction could cost $260 million or more and still needs to be funded.
 Thank you to the people of Monroe for welcoming me to your community.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve
As your new State Senator, please know that your feedback is also especially important to me. If you have thoughts or feedback to share with me, please contact me anytime at senatorbradhawkins.org. If you need immediate assistance, please call our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Please like and follow me on my Facebook page for my latest updates.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
 Brad Hawkins
State Senator Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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