Over $5 Million in Capital Funding Proposed for Washington's 19th District

State representatives announce funding for local projects including college upgrades, school improvements, and emergency response systems

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:19pm

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The Washington state House has proposed a supplemental capital budget that includes over $5.2 million in funding for projects in the state's 19th Legislative District, according to representatives Jim Walsh and Joel McEntire. The funding would go towards improvements at Lower Columbia College, upgrades to emergency response systems, affordable housing preservation, veterans housing support, and other critical local infrastructure across the rural communities in the district.

Why it matters

This proposed capital budget funding represents a significant investment in the 19th District's schools, housing, public facilities, and emergency services. If approved, it would provide much-needed resources to address long-standing infrastructure needs and support the region's economic and community development.

The details

The largest proposed funding amount is $3 million for improvements to the Lower Columbia College David Story Field. Other notable allocations include $850,000 for upgrades to Julius A. Wendt Elementary School, nearly $500,000 for radio system upgrades to aid emergency responders, and over $280,000 for the American Legion Veteran Housing and Resource Center. Additional funds are earmarked for water infrastructure, fire department equipment, and building repairs across the district.

  • The House released its proposed supplemental capital budget on March 3, 2026.
  • The House Capital Budget Committee held a public hearing on the bill on Tuesday and was scheduled to vote on it in executive session on Thursday.

The players

Jim Walsh

A Republican state representative from the 19th Legislative District.

Joel McEntire

A Republican state representative from the 19th Legislative District.

Lower Columbia College

A community college located in the 19th District that would receive $3 million in funding for field improvements.

Julius A. Wendt Elementary School

A school in Cathlamet, Washington that would receive $850,000 in funding for upgrades.

American Legion Veteran Housing and Resource Center

A veterans housing and support facility that would receive $286,000 in funding.

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What they’re saying

“We secured funding for improvements at Lower Columbia College, upgrades to emergency response systems, affordable housing preservation, veterans housing support, and critical local infrastructure projects across our rural communities.”

— Jim Walsh, State Representative

“This plan makes thoughtful, long-term investments in schools, housing, water systems, and public facilities while respecting the responsibility we have to the taxpayers.”

— Joel McEntire, State Representative

What’s next

The proposed supplemental capital budget still needs to be negotiated and approved by the Washington state Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

This capital budget proposal demonstrates a bipartisan effort to direct significant state funding towards critical infrastructure and community needs in Washington's 19th Legislative District. If approved, it would provide a major boost to the region's schools, housing, public services, and economic development.