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April 9, 2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Our state approves three budgets every two years. These budgets fund Washington’s operating ($71.9 billion), transportation ($14.6 billion), and capital ($10.3 billion) expenditures, including public services, transportation improvements, and infrastructure projects. Much public attention is directed to the operating budget due to its size and scope, but the other budgets also fund significant investments for communities. On March 29, the Governor signed the updated 2023-25 capital budget. Funding provided in the original two-year budget and some supplemental items are authorized for the remainder of the two years ending June 30, 2025.
 The Washington State Legislature approved its 2023-2025 Capital Budget during its 105-day session in 2023 and an update to the budget during its 60-day session.
12th District Capital Projects
In recent years, the 12th District team, which includes Representatives Steele and Goehner, has been able to generate big wins for our region through the capital budget, including the replacement of key infrastructure following tragic wildfires, the expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities that improve our economy and quality of life, and enhancements to key community response systems. Our legislative team has been able to leverage the capital budget to fund many of our regional priorities successfully. With the recent redistricting, the 12th District has expanded into portions of Snohomish and King counties, where the legislative team has secured funding for key facilities. For more information, click Capital Budget Documents.
Matching Funds for School Facilities
 The recently approved capital budget update prioritized supporting K-12 school improvements. I’m grateful for the excellent school facilities in many of our communities, such as Riverview School District’s Tolt Middle School in Carnation, but some school facilities need support.
The updated capital budget approved this year significantly emphasizes improvements to school facilities, which are a shared responsibility between the state and school districts. The supplemental capital budget includes a significant increase to the School Construction Assistance Program, which provides matching grants to school districts whose communities approve construction bonds. Eligible school districts will now receive $375 per square foot of matching funds for facilities rather than the previous $271 per square foot. This is a huge boost in allocation for this program and could benefit school districts seeking approval for renovations and new facilities.
Sultan’s Mountain View Park
 The 2023-25 capital budget includes $500,000 of funding for Mountain View Park in the rapidly growing Sultan basin area in east Sultan. This funding will enable the city to apply for grants and support this key phase of the overall $3 million park facility.
It was great to work with the City of Sultan and Mayor Russell Wiita to help secure $500,000 in the 2023-2025 capital budget in 2023 toward funding Mountain View Park in the rapidly growing Sultan Basin area on the eastern portion of Sutan. The project's overall cost is expected to be approximately $3 million and is still in the visionary process for this 5-acre area owned by the city. Accessing a neighborhood park, rather than traveling along Highway 2 to access parks, will make recreation more accessible for Sultan families. This park will also help to meet the growing needs of this expanded community. Plans include a year-round restroom, ADA-accessible trail, sidewalks, an open meadow, a parking lot, signage, and more. The city plans to utilize this state funding and its existing park improvement funding to apply for Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office grants to complete the overall park facility. For more information, click here.
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 I appreciate connecting with City of Monroe officials about your city’s capital projects and other efforts. This photo, from your council’s recent visit to the State Capitol, includes council members Kyle Fisher, Kirk Scarboro, myself, Kevin Hanford, Heather Fulcher, Jacob Walker, and Tami Beaumont.
Monroe Municipal Building
 Monroe’s municipal building is receiving much-needed improvements. The project will include remodeled council and court facilities, improved access for people with disabilities, fire protection upgrades, and more.
The City of Monroe’s municipal building is receiving a significant remodel after several decades in operation. The project is underway for approximately $17 million and is expected to be completed in late 2025. 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. The remodeled facility will include more efficient service options for community members, enhanced security features for court proceedings, improved access for people with disabilities, fire protection and landscaping upgrades, and more. The facility will improve energy and environmental efficiency as recognized through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design “silver” standards. I was proud to sponsor the $1.1 million funding during the 2023 session, which had support from our 12th District legislators. For more information, click here.
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Snoqualmie Valley Youth Activity Center
 The Snoqualmie Valley Youth Activity Center in North Bend has received support from state and local funds, including generous community support and countless hours of in-kind work. The facility supports local non-profits, outdoor youth organizations, and sports groups.
Legislators from the 5th and 12th Districts were excited to support $232,000 additional funding in 2023-2025 toward the Snoqualmie Valley Youth Activity Center in North Bend. Previous funding included $361,000 in 2021 and $412,000 in 2019. This amazing facility has been multiple years in the making, and has been supported by a variety of funds over the years, including multiple installments of state funding and local contributions. The project helps connect the future barn to the existing lodge and provides much-needed storage space to support youth activities. The facility’s usage by youth in the Snoqualmie Valley has been terrific, which is full almost every evening and weekend. The facility is utilized by the entire community, including outdoor youth organizations and local sports groups, for various purposes. The facility supports overnight camping and various events by non-profit youth groups throughout the Snoqualmie Valley. The space can also support larger group events. For more information, click here.
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 Thank you for the opportunity to serve
I hope you enjoyed learning about some of our district's many capital budget projects. If you have any questions about these projects or future efforts, please contact me anytime. If you’d like to learn more about my legislative efforts on your behalf, please visit my website senatorbradhawkins.org. Also, my office has been actively working to share information about my Facebook page. You can like and follow me on Facebook @SenatorBradHawkins 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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