FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2005
Orting's Bridge for Kids; other district projects get capital budget funds
OLYMPIA -- Before the Legislature ended on Sunday, April 24, a number of bills important to the 2nd Legislative District were passed and sent to Gov. Christine Gregoire for her signature.
One of the bills approved was the Capital Budget, which includes such projects as the Bridge for Kids in Orting, the Youth Center in Spanaway, and the Eatonville Park.
Rep. Tom Campbell (R-Roy) said the Capital Budget includes $850,000 to build the long-sought evacuation bridge for Orting students.
"I'm pleased we were able to get this very important project," Campbell said. "Last time we were able to get $250,000 to start the project, so this is a wonderful investment in the safety of our children."
The town of Orting is sited between the Carbon River and the Puyallup River, so the only way out of town is over bridges crossing the two rivers. With volcanic Mount Rainier towering in close proximity, the need for potential evacuation is a paramount consideration for the citizens of Orting.
The foot-bridge across the Carbon River is intended to provide school children with easy access to reach higher ground in the case of a volcanic eruption.
"This project is very important for the people of Orting to have this bridge for their children's safety," Campbell said. "I've worked with community leaders for several years and I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish.
In addition to the $850,000 in the Capital budget, there was also $850,000 more in the Transportation budget.
Other 2nd District projects in capital budget:
Youth Center/Drop-in Center
Campbell has worked to include $400,000 for the Youth Center/Drop-in Center, to create a center to serve homeless youth in the Spanaway and Parkland areas.
"This important project provides resources, but leaves it to Youth Resources in Spanaway, in partnership with Pierce County to put those resources to work," Campbell said.
Eatonville water filtration system
The budget includes $807,500 for the Eatonville water filtration system. The project, which is critical to Eatonville, will provide 'state of the art' filter banks to remove contaminants from the surface water sources and guarantee clean drinking water.
Eatonville Park
The budget approved $50,000 for the initial development of a state park in Eatonville.
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