For Immediate Release:

Thursday, November 8, 2001

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today announced final Congressional passage of $3,735,000 for environmental and community improvement projects for Eastern Washington in the fiscal year 2002 VA-HUD Conference Report. The Conference Report passed the Senate by a vote of 87-7 and will now go to President Bush to be signed into law.

"I am pleased that Congress has committed this funding to support important environmental and cultural projects in Eastern Washington," said Murray. "In helping our communities to redevelop and expand, we are facilitating a cleaner, healthier and more pleasant environment for our families and revitalization for our businesses."

"This funding will help provide important stimulus to our local economies," Murray said.

Funding for Eastern Washington includes:

• $1.5 million – Franklin, Adams and Grant Counties, Columbia Basin Groundwater Management Area
• $1 million – West Central Community Center for site acquisition and preparation related to expansion of childcare facilities
• $485,000 – Klickitat County, Dallesport Industrial Park for construction of the Regional Learning and Resource Center
• $500,000 – Spokane, Whitworth College for construction of the Regional Learning and Resource Center
• $250,000 – Clarkston, Valley Boys and Girls Club for facilities construction