One day remains in the 2023 legislative session and details are emerging on the final versions of various state budgets. State Sen. Ron Muzzall is touting significant investments for local projects in the 10th District in the state’s capital construction budget, particularly nearly $30 million for Oak Harbor schools.
Muzzall had earlier announced his work to include the needed funding to help construct new elementary schools in Oak Harbor. With the state’s strong investment finalized, matching federal dollars can now flow to the proposed school construction projects totaling over $100 million.
“Working with my colleagues across the aisle and in the state House, this needed investment for our children’s education is closer to becoming reality,” said Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor. “I’m absolutely thrilled that these resources will be available for our community and that the fifth generation of the Muzzall family will get a strong public education in these new facilities.”
The district is now eligible for an additional $55.9 million for early learning and $53.9 million for elementary schools in federal funds. The state will provide $13.9 million toward the Oak Harbor Early Learning Center, which houses early-learning programs for children ages 3-5 and other special education programs for the district’s youngest learners. Another $13.6 million is allocated to Crescent Harbor Elementary School. The La Conner School District will receive just over $1.5 million for its capital budget projects.
The state’s capital budget also includes funding for various environmental, conservation, recreational and other community-based projects.
Significant investments include:
- $2.75 million for Central Whidbey Fire & Rescue Station 53 (Coupeville)
- $1.9 million for Diking District 7 Fish Passage and Levee (Stanwood)
- $1 million for Skagit County Voluntary Stewardship
A complete list of 10th District projects totaling nearly $60 million can be found by clicking here.