Several Spokane projects among governor’s proposals

OLYMPIA – In addition to making laws and writing an operating budget, lawmakers this year will likely propose more than $2 billion in new construction spending.

The new buildings and community projects – derided as political “pork” by critics – run the gamut from university classrooms and museum galleries to new wells and roadside bathrooms.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed a two-year, $2.1 billion list, including $117 million for projects in Spokane County and $106 million in Whitman County. Ferry County would get a $513,000 bathroom replacement on state park property in Curlew; Stevens and Pend Oreille counties aren’t slated for any projects.

Much of that local money would go to Washington State University, Eastern Washington University and local community colleges. WSU, for example, is seeking $58 million – the third most expensive project anywhere in the state – for a new biotechnology building.

Here’s a sampling of some of the other local items on the governor’s list:

“New state veterans cemetery in Spokane County: $7.8 million

“Environmental work on the Colbert landfill: $1 million.

“Further work to develop a whitewater park on the Spokane River: $530,000

“Renovating a state military department hangar at Fairchild Air Force Base: $750,000.

“Shoring up dangerous rocks in rail cuts along the Columbia Plateau Trail: $412,000.

“Further work on downtown Spokane’s Fox Theater: $2 million

“More renovation at Avista Stadium: $2 million

Richard Roesler