Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District
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Funding for Edmonds Center for the Arts Included in Spending Bills
24 September 2004
U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced today that Congress has included crucial funding for the Edmonds Center for the Arts in spending bills currently moving through Congress. Inslee successfully included $75,000 for the Edmonds Center for the Arts in the House VA/HUD Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5041), which has been reported out of Appropriations Committee and is awaiting a vote in the House. Murray secured $300,000 for the Center for the Arts in the Senate's version of the same legislation, which the Senate Appropriations Committee passed on Tuesday.
The Edmonds Public Facilities District is developing the Edmonds Center for the Arts to serve as a first-class regional cultural hub for theatre, music, stage and other artistic performances, as well as for community meetings and events.
Said Inslee, "The Edmonds Center for the Arts received a wonderful boost of confidence today from Uncle Sam. This funding confirms what we have long known - that the arts center will be an invaluable cultural treasure for the city of Edmonds, Snohomish County and all of those who enjoy the arts in the Pacific Northwest. The genius of our actors, composers, musicians, students and other artists will be on full aesthetic display in this new regional center. I applaud Senator Murray for her hard work in helping secure this funding for the Edmonds community."
Murray, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said, “By investing in our cultural infrastructure, we are creating a unique place for families and children to explore artistic talents. Our state is facing tough challenges, but these dollars will help improve the quality of life for those who live in and around Edmonds. I'm proud to work with a great partner in Congressman Inslee to direct these important resources back to our state."
When completed, the Edmonds Center for the Arts will serve as a performing and regional arts home for established local arts organizations, like the 42-year old Cascade Symphony, the Olympic Ballet and the Choir of the Sound. Part of the project will involve remodeling the auditorium to seat 750-800 people - which will be of great use to students and community groups. The Arts Center is expected to attract over 45,000 patrons annually. Ultimately the Center for the Arts will provide Snohomish County and the Puget Sound region with a cultural gem in which to enjoy dance, music, theater and other artistic performances.
Of added value, the project will preserve the historic architecture of the former Edmonds High School building, which is one of the best examples of the Arte Moderne School of Design in Washington State. The bulk of this $15.6 million dollar project has been raised from local/private sources.