House capital budget includes money for local construction, soil cleanup

More than $15 million has been included in the proposed House capital budget for construction and soil cleanup projects at schools in the 14th District, Rep. Norm Johnson said.

Also in line for funding under the bill is the Ready by Five Learning Center in east Yakima, replacement of two buildings at Yakima Valley Community College, continuing studies of water storage in the Yakima Basin and repaving the parking area at the Ahtanum View Corrections Center.

The second phase of the Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center, being built east of State Fair Park, is not in the bill. School officials are seeking $23 million for construction.

About $2.3 million would be used to clean up contaminated soil at Barge Lincoln, Gilbert, Hoover, Robertson and Whitney elementary schools, Wilson Middle School, East Valley Intermediate School, West Valley Junior High School and West Valley High School.

“Years ago, orchardists used lead arsenic as a pesticide for apples,” Johnson said. “Although that practice was discontinued, lead arsenic leached into the ground and also was spread through the air to soils in our area.”

Johnson said just over $1.4 million is included for replacement of Palmer and Martin Halls on the YVCC campus. Ready by Five is in line for $1 million. The program aims to improve kindergarten readiness among children from low-income families.

The capital measure, House Bill 1216, is scheduled for public hearing today in the House Capital Budget Committee.

-- Leah Beth Ward