“Approved investments represent months of negotiation, collaboration and a commitment to meeting real needs across North Central Washington” — Rep. Mike Steele

information released

12th District lawmakers announced today that more than $106.7 million in critical projects were funded with the final passage of the 2025–27 capital budget—Senate Bill 5195—a $7.6 billion bipartisan plan investing in infrastructure, education, housing, water supply, and natural resources across Washington state.

The capital budget is primarily funded through bond sales and other dedicated accounts. The 2025–27 plan includes $4.5 billion in newly authorized general obligation bonds, with the remaining funding coming from sources such as the Public Works Assistance Account, the Common School Construction Account, Climate Commitment Act accounts, federal allocations, and Certificates of Participation.

Although Democrats held large majorities sufficient to pass the bond bill without Republican votes, House Republicans remained fully engaged in negotiations. Their efforts helped ensure the final capital budget reflected statewide priorities, fiscal responsibility, and local investments in projects critical to communities like those in the 12th District.

Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, who served as the lead Republican negotiator and ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee, said the approved investments represent months of negotiation, collaboration, and a commitment to meeting real needs across North Central Washington.

“Negotiating this budget took a lot of hard conversations and collaboration,” said Steele. “Even with a challenging political environment, we stayed at the table and fought to ensure the 12th District’s priorities—like school improvements, community facilities, and water projects—were funded. I’m proud of the partnerships that helped deliver these important investments for our region.”

Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, praised the broad impact these investments will have on families, businesses, and future generations across the region.

“Every project funded in this budget represents an investment in the people who make our communities strong. Whether it’s new facilities for families, improved emergency services, or expanded access to outdoor spaces, these investments will directly support the daily lives of folks across the 12th District. I’m proud we could deliver meaningful results that will benefit our communities for generations.”

Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, emphasized the importance of delivering results that reflect the district’s unique needs.

“Our legislative district includes a unique geographic and socio-economic region,” Burnett. “The needs and priorities of our citizens are vast. This capital budget reflects those differences and meets the needs of our distinct communities to help keep them safe, healthy, educated, and engaged.”

The following 12th District projects were funded:

Building Communities Fund Program:

  • Alatheia Capacity Building Project – $595,000
  • Chelan Douglas Community Action Council – $2,000,000
  • Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services – New Home – $300,000

Building for the Arts Grant Program:

  • Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center’s Gallery Expansion – $878,000

Youth Recreational Facilities Program:

  • Snoqualmie YMCA Expansion Project – $1,200,000
  • Wenatchee Children’s Play, Learning, and Recreation Facility – $774,000

2026 Local and Community Projects:

  • Alatheia Building Project – $263,000
  • Cashmere Branch Library ADA Upgrades – $33,000
  • Chelan County Emergency Management Facility – $500,000
  • Chelan Eagles Facility Improvements – $15,000
  • Heritage Heights Remodel Phase 4 Generator – $258,000
  • Lake Chelan Community Center Gymnasium Project – $475,000
  • Lake Chelan Health Emergency Medical Services Building – $1,097,000
  • Monroe Rotary Field Turf Replacement – $360,000
  • NF Skykomish River Valley: Emergency Response Improvements – $1,000,000
  • Old Swim Hole ADA Ramp – $83,000
  • Rural Access to Care and Social Connections Project – $3,138,000
  • Sultan Osprey Park Sports Field Expansion – $798,000
  • Wagner Performing Arts Center Restrooms – $443,000
  • Water Resilience and Efficiency Project – $3,000,000

Local Infrastructure:

  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project – $824,000

Youth Shelters and Housing:

  • Skyland Ranch Youth Housing Project – $100,000

Fire Training Academy Projects:

  • Fuel Farm Refurbishment – $1,000,000
  • Maintenance Building Roof Replacement – $300,000

Minor Works Programs:

  • Military Department: Minor Works 2025-27 Biennium – $9,885,000
  • Department of Children, Youth, and Families: Minor Works Project – $5,578,000
  • Department of Corrections: Minor Works Preservation Projects – $6,000,000

Facility Upgrades:

  • MCC: SOU and TRU – Domestic Water and HVAC Piping System – $13,897,000
  • MCC: WSR Perimeter Wall Renovation – $3,674,000
  • SW: Perimeter Fence Detection Stabilization Project – $6,445,000
  • SW: Security Electronics Renewal and Adaptation – $4,825,000

School Modernization:

  • Entiat Small District Planning Grant – $40,000

Courthouse Restoration:

  • Chelan County Courthouse Rehabilitation Grant – $312,000

Research Facilities:

  • Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center Plant Growth Facility – $10,000,000

Heritage Capital Grants:

  • Wenatchee Valley Museum Exterior Restoration – $1,000,000

Environmental Cleanup and Restoration:

  • Golden King / Lovitt Mine Cleanup – $650,000
  • Icicle Creek Project Implementation – $3,000,000
  • Nason Creek Site Remediation – $450,000

Floodplain and Habitat Projects:

  • Snoqualmie River Collaborative Floodplain Restoration – $5,845,000
  • Wallace Falls Parking Expansion – $2,386,000

Aquatic Lands and Fish Passage Projects:

  • Flowing Lake Dock and Waterfront Access – $521,000
  • Eagle Creek Five Fish Passage Barriers – $371,000
  • Van Ornum Creek at Bunker Creek Road Fish Passage Construction – $1,908,000
  • Family Forest Fish Passage Projects:
    • Dammarell – Foye Creek – $318,000
    • Higgins – Skykomish River Tributary – $318,000
    • Leahy – Ames Creek – $318,000

Recreation and Natural Area Projects:

  • CH Scroggie Canyon Conservation – $710,000
  • LP Malaga Waterfront Park Acquisition Phase 2 – $617,000
  • SLDR Mount Si Trailhead Renovation – $325,000
  • SLDR Teneriffe-CCC Connector Trail Development – $325,000
  • SLRE Shrubsteppe Restoration at Upper Dry Gulch Natural Area Preserve – $198,000
  • SP Inholdings and Adjacent Properties 2024 Acquisition – $1,380,000

Youth Athletic Facilities:

  • Mountain Goat Futbol Center – $1,158,000

Fish Passage Improvements:

  • Culvert Court Case Barrier Corrections – $817,000

Natural Areas Facilities Preservation:

  • Upper Dry Gulch Natural Area Preserve Site Protection Fencing – $64,000

Trust Land Transfer Program:

  • Beckler 6 Property Acquisition – Tulalip Tribes – $4,000,000

Senate Bill 5195 now awaits the governor’s signature.

Final budget documents can be found here.
Projects by legislative district can be found here.

The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on April 27.

 

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov