By Charlie Bermant
Peninsula Daily News
The state House of Representatives’ $3.1 billion state construction budget includes funding for more than $22 million for North Olympic Peninsula projects, including sewer systems in Port Hadlock and Carlsborg and money for a tall ship restoration and the homeless.
Once the Senate budget is released, which is expected next week, the two chambers will work out compromise legislation before a final vote.
The House version, which was released Monday, sets aside $12,793,000 for Jefferson County projects and $10,052,000 for Clallam County.
“A lot of these projects are needed in the district, and they now have a good chance of being supported,” said Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim, who represents the 24th District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and a portion of Grays Harbor County, along with Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, and Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam.
“It’s good news that we may be able to provide these services,” Tharinger said.
Jefferson County projects funded in the House budget are:
■ $10 million toward a wastewater treatment system in Port Hadlock.
■ $2 million toward renovation of the Peninsula College building 202 at Fort Worden State Park.
■ $300,000 for roof rehabilitation and related seismic retrofit for the historic Jefferson County Courthouse.
■ $375,000 for a seismic retrofit and restoration of the Port Townsend Library building.
■ $118,000 to the Schooner Martha Foundation to fund restoration of the tall ship.
Clallam County projects funded in the House budget are:
■ $10 million for a wastewater treatment and reuse system in Carlsborg.
■ $52,000 to Serenity House of Clallam County, a nonprofit organization providing emergency and transitional housing.
Allocations would, in most cases, support only portions of projects.
The largest allocation in Jefferson County, which is for a sewer system in Port Hadlock, would provide a significant boost to the projected $28 million total.
The Port Townsend Library would receive $375,000 toward the $9 million needed for its renovation.
“We know these are difficult times, and if the funding comes through, it will be a big plus for the project,” said library director Theresa Percy.
Tharinger said the 24th District is at no disadvantage because of its size.
“I don’t think we’ll lose any funding because we are a smaller district,” he said.
“But we could lose funding for some of the programs if it is determined that the money is needed to cover a shortfall in the operational budget,” he added.
“These are extremely lean times in state government, and there are many more worthy projects than there are dollars to pay for them,” Tharinger said.
Tharinger said the programs proposed in the House budget are estimated to create 52,000 new jobs statewide.
He had no projections for a number of local jobs created but said every $1 million funds 20 direct jobs.
The legislative session is scheduled to end April 24.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
