No Heritage Center just yet

Washington's newly adopted $3.7 billion construction budget doesn't greenlight construction of the long-planned and previously approved Washington State Heritage Center on the Capitol Campus.

The project, championed by Secretary of State Sam Reed, Senator Karen Fraser, heritage groups, and newspapers across Washington, is designed to bring together the State Archives, State Library, an education center, visitor experience, history exhibits and other features in a consolidated facility at the gateway to the Capitol grounds. It was not in competition with other operating or construction dollars, but did need a final green light for issuing the "certificates of participation," the mortgage, along with a relatively small increase in fees that Senator Fraser had requested. Reed, while disappointed, says he'll vigorously pursue the project next January. The current two-year budget envisioned a two-year pause in proceeding with the $110 million project, but Reed had hoped to accelerate the process so the state could create jobs and save money because private contractors are giving excellent bids right now. "We remain optimistic that our Legislature will move forward with the Heritage Center for the benefit of Capitol visitors and for all of the citizens of the state of Washington," Reed says.


(html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Image
Image of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

Search Our Corner

OSOS Websites

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.