Rep. Schrier brings home $22 million for local projects around the 8th District

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In December Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced that 15 local projects will receive over $22 million as part of the Community Project Funding program included in the FY23 government funding bill. The projects will improve the lives of residents across the 8th District.

"I'm thrilled that I could go to bat for the 8th District and make sure all 15 of our district’s requested projects received funding," said Rep. Schrier. "These projects are a unique opportunity to advocate for our community’s needs. Local governments and nonprofits know what our communities need best, and that is why I went directly to them for recommendations about what the federal budget should prioritize. I am especially grateful to my Advisory Board for their dedication to our district and for prioritizing such tremendous projects. This is a testament to just how much the projects will benefit their communities. I can’t wait to visit all the projects in the coming year!”

Last funding cycle, Rep. Schrier secured over $11 million for local projects as part of the FY22 government funding bill. For the FY23 government funding bill, 15 projects were selected by an independent advisory board, vetted by the Appropriations Committee, and included in the final spending package. 

In addition to the 15 projects, Rep. Schrier’s bill, the Diagnostic Device Advisory Committee Act, was included in the government funding bill. This bill ensures that if we are in a situation again where diagnostic tests need to be approved quickly for public health purposes, there is already a system in place, ready to respond. Rep. Schrier has been a major proponent of increasing access to rapid antigen tests during the pandemic. This will be her third bill signed into law this year and 15th since coming to Congress.

The 15 local projects that will receive funding include:

• Bethel School District’s Graham Community Center, Spanaway -- $2,250,000.

• Central Washington University Student Medical & Counseling Center, Medical Grade Air Distribution, Ellensburg-- $1,000,000: The CWU Student Medical & Counseling Center was built in 1970 and has never had any major renovations or expansions, including the original heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system. A new medical grade air distribution system will reduce the spread of airborne pathogens, benefiting the health of students, staff, and the greater Ellensburg community. Additionally, a new system will be more cost and energy efficient than the current system.

• Chelan Douglas Community Action Council (CDCAC) Food Distribution Center, 620 Lewis Street, Wenatchee-- Amount Requested: $3,000,000

The Chelan –Douglas Community Action Council’s (CDCAC) Food Distribution Center provides support for individuals experiencing food insecurity. The quantity of food CDCAC’s receives/distr3 yearshas doubled in the past 3-years. They currently support twenty-two area food pantries, meal sites and low-income senior housing facilities with over 2-million pounds of food annually; providing nutritional food to those who face food insecurity.

CDCAC’s current food distribution facility is inadequate to meet the increase in demand, avoid food waste, and ensure the safe storage of food products and safety of employees and volunteers. The location of the new facility will reduce travel times; expand programs focusing on local purchasing of farm goods through expansion of commercial processing equipment; improve safety measures; and provide for a dedicated volunteer and employee training space.

• Creek Restoration at Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah -- $1,023,632.

• Crisis Response Team, King Count -- $1,000,000.

• Heritage Heights at Lake Chelan, 505 E. Highland Avenue • Chelan. Amount Requested: $800,000

Seniors with dementia and their families have few options in the Chelan Valley for Memory Care. Currently there are no facilities within 40 miles of the Lake Chelan Valley and no facilities accept Medicaid. Heritage Heights is not currently designed for Memory Care. This funding would be used to renovate and upgrade the facility, converting 11 of the 30-units to Memory Care. The conversion to Memory Care will allow for some double occupancy, providing additional housing for seniors needing assisted living and Memory Care services.

A continuum of care that provides safe, affordable housing helps keep seniors healthy for longer. Expanding Heritage Heights to better serve the aging community will make it possible for seniors to age close-by their families, doctors, and existing support systems.

• HopeSource’s Teanaway Multi-Service Center, Cle Elum -- $2,030,000.

• Issaquah Valley Aquifer, Issaquah -- $600,000.

• King County Sheriff’s Body Worn Cameras, King County -- $1,000,000.

• Muckleshoot Tribe’s Water Improvements, Auburn-- $3,452,972.

• Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Child Development Center Expansion, Snoqualmie-- $1,500,000.

• The Market Farm to Fork and Smart Locker Program, Buckley-- $2,000,000.

• YWCA North Central Washington Permanent , Supportive Housing (PSH) Updating, Modernization, YWCA NCW, 212 First St, Wenatchee, WA 98801. Amount Requested: $200,000

The YWCA’s permanent supportive housing building is in need of critical updates. The apartments were not originally built for modern appliances and electric needs. This funding will make it possible to purchase a new water heater, update heating, cooling and electrical systems and install a weather efficient roof.

YWCA NCW is a lead partner to reduce poverty through housing in the regional planning organization Our Valley Our Future. The case management model YWCA uses helps individuals achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. Upgrading and modernizing the Permanent Supportive Housing building ensures YWCA can continue to serve the community and provide needed safe and stable housing.