Senator Murray Secures Over $513 Million for Key Infrastructure, Environmental, and Social Projects and Priorities in Draft Appropriations Bills

Murray leads Senate Appropriations Committee in passing four draft appropriations bills - MORE HERE

READ and WATCH: Chair Murray's Opening Remarks at Full Committee Markup

Washington, D.C. - Late last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee, led by Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), voted overwhelmingly to advance the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bills for fiscal year 2025 that Senator Murray played a lead role in writing and negotiating.

"I am proud to have passed another 4 bills out of committee and to have written each of them with the values and priorities of Washington state in mind," said Senator Murray. "I worked hard to boost funding for salmon restoration efforts, to provide more resources to live up to our commitment to Tribes, to focus on protecting our public lands, and to make certain our federal wildland firefighters get a pay raise-not a pay cut. I was especially focused on delivering strong investments in advanced manufacturing and all kinds of cutting-edge research, so much of which happens in our great state-and I was proud to deliver the most funding ever to stop violence against women, especially on Tribal lands. Importantly, I made sure we strengthened federal investments to build more affordable housing, sustain rental assistance, and reduce homelessness. This will benefit every community in Washington state as we work to build more homes and lower housing costs. I secured funding increases for public transit that will continue to support the expansion of light rail, bus rapid transit, and of course our state's ferry system."

In the draft bills, Senator Murray secured $124.445 million in funding for key Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects across Washington state and $388.795 million in programmatic funding for Washington state priorities-a total of $513.24 million for Washington state.

She also secured funding to invest in key national programs to help families keep a roof over their head, protect our public lands, invest in scientific research, and much more. Read more HERE.

Highlights, key provisions, and funding Senator Murray secured in each of the funding bills are below:

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Administration Appropriations Bill

In the draft legislation, Senator Murray secured $32.5 million for 14 important CDS projects in Washington state:

• $375,000 for the American Association of State Climatologists to increase staff capacity for interagency climate efforts in Washington state.
• $2 million for American Rivers to expand technical assistance for permitting salmon recovery and coastal resilience projects.
• $1 million for Centralia College for equipment for a hydrogen and battery science program, including related facility modifications.
• $500,000 for the Children and Youth Justice Center to improve statewide coordination to support victims of trafficking.
• $2 million for the City of Spokane to expand mobile alternative response teams.
• $1.4 million for Green River College for equipment for their electric vehicle maintenance program.
• $2.5 million for the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center to provide services to sexual assault survivors.
• $1.5 million for South Puget Sound Community College to purchase cybersecurity and IT-related equipment and software.
• $5 million for the University of Washington to purchase and install cold lab equipment.
• $3 million for the University of Washington to purchase and install wind tunnel equipment.
• $3 million for the Washington Department of Natural Resources for conservation of kelp and eelgrass habitats.
• $1.425 million for Washington State University for scientific and facility improvements.
• $7 million for Washington State University to purchase equipment and construct a hot cell facility.
• $1.8 million for Washington State University for agricultural sciences equipment.

Senator Murray also secured a number of national funding priorities that are particularly important to Washington state, including:

• Key funding for salmon recovery and habitat restoration:
  • $80 million for the Pacific Salmon account at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a $5 million increase over fiscal year 2024. This funding is critical to support the agency's work with Endangered Species Act-listed Pacific salmon species.
  • $70 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which provides funding to states and Tribes to protect and restore Pacific salmon and steelhead populations-a $5 million increase over fiscal year 2024.
  • $75.65 million-a $10.4 million increase over FY24-for Salmon Management Activities at NMFS, which supports NOAA's hatchery operations and international treaty agreements.
  • $1.5 million for management, intervention, and mitigation of invasive European Green Crab-continuing funding Murray first secured in fiscal year 2024.
  • $1 million to support the Northwest Straits Initiative, a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region. This funding continues a longstanding effort of Senator Murray to restore and protect Puget Sound for generations to come.
• $739.5 million-an increase of $26.5 million and the highest funding level ever-for grants to prevent violence against women and better support survivors, especially Native women on Tribal lands. This funding is provided under the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and includes:
  • $15 million for a grant program-established by Senator Murray-to increase access to sexual assault nurse exams, which is an increase of $5 million over FY24.This funding will support grants for regional Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training, salaries for SANEs and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs), and technical assistance and resources to increase access to SANEs and SAFEs.
• $25.4 billion for NASA to continue the country's-and Washington state's-leadership in space exploration and technologies. This includes:
  • $4 million for a consortium within the Biological and Physical Sciences, which Senator Murray established with $2.5 million in funding in FY24. Senator Murray has been pushing for NASA to expand its footprint into the Pacific Northwest to capitalize on the growth in aerospace innovation happening in Washington state.
  • $10 million to establish a new Nuclear Propulsion Center of Excellence to advance nuclear propulsion research and leverage industry expertise, much of which is in Washington state.
• $100 million-a $59 million increase-for Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs that can support two to five implementation grants, including for designees like the Aerospace Materials Manufacturing hub in Spokane.
• $80 million-a $16 million increase-for NOAA construction activities, which will support NOAA's Western Regional Center in Seattle.
• $566 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-$6 million above fiscal year 2024. LSC is the largest funder of civil legal aid in the country.

A full summary of the bill is available HERE.

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill

In the draft legislation, Senator Murray secured $21.52 million for 12 important CDS projects in Washington state:

• $1 million for the City of Anacortes to connect a Tribal center to wastewater infrastructure.
• $800,000 for the City of Chewelah to replace water mains.
• $2.5 million for the City of Redmond to replace water mains.
• $1.6 million for the City of White Salmon to replace water mains.
• $2.215 million for the Clark Regional Wastewater District to remove septic systems and connect homes to wastewater infrastructure.
• $5.250 million for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission for rehabilitation of in-lieu and treaty fishing access sites along the Columbia River.
• $500,000 for the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance to develop and demonstrate a waterway cleanup method.
• $250,000 for NatureBridge to upgrade infrastructure for historic preservation in Olympic National Park.
• $1.5 million for Public Utility District No. 1 of Skamania County to upgrade drinking water infrastructure.
• $865,000 for Quinault Indian Nation to stabilize a hillside to protect water infrastructure.
• $3.7 million for the Squaxin Island Tribe to improve an existing retention pond and build a second retention pond as part of a water conservation plan to eliminate freshwater depletion.
• $1.34 million for the Town of South Cle Elum to plan and design replacement of a water main.

Senator Murray also secured a number of national funding priorities that are particularly important to Washington state, including:

• $57 million for the EPA's Puget Sound Geographic Program-a $3 million boost over last year's funding level.
• $6 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for critical capital and maintenance projects to improve salmon and steelhead facilities on the lower Snake River and in the Columbia River Basin. The salmon and steelhead hatcheries, adult fish traps, and juvenile release facilities along the lower Snake River and in the Columbia River Basin are facing significant infrastructure improvement needs due to aging critical infrastructure including pipelines, generators, and rearing units.
• $3.1 million to support a comprehensive federal approach to addressing the threat posed by European Green Crab, including at the Willapa and Dungeness National Wildlife Refuges.
• $3.5 million for the Columbia River Basin Geographic Program, a $500,000 increase above FY24.
• $18.96 million for Land and Water Conservation Fund projects in Washington state funded by the Great American Outdoors Act and allocated through the bill, including:
  • $5.9 million for the San Juan Island National Historical Park
  • $5.06 million for the Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project
  • $8 million for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
• $63.836 million for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, a $4.8 million increase over last year's funding level, which supports the work of the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups in Washington state and plays an important role in Washington's salmon recovery efforts. It provides $5.085 million, a $3.8 million increase above FY24, for the Washington Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups.
• $95.665 million for the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards program, which includes $28.6 million for the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system and $4.2 million for Subduction Zone science-both critical to protecting communities across Washington state.
• $63.115 million for National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers. The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center receives funds through this account and is located at the University of Washington with consortia partners at Western Washington University, Washington State University, and schools in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This funding helps promote critical ecosystem activities to ensure salmon recovery, restore nearshore habitats, reduce flood risks, and address climate-related impacts.
• $94.573 million for the Urban Indian Health program, a $4.154 million increase over last year's funding level. There are 34 Urban Indian Health Centers across the country, including the Seattle Indian Health Board, which provide culturally appropriate health services to Native Americans.
• $49.959 million for the Rights Protection Implementation program, which supports off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights for 49 federally recognized Tribes, including many in Washington state. Funding supports work by the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission to manage Columbia River, Puget Sound, and coastal fisheries and ensure Tribal access, implement Washington state's Timber, Fish, and Wildlife agreement, and comply with the Pacific Salmon Treaty.
• $18.837 million for the Tribal Management/Development Program, to support Tribal self-determination by providing resources for fish and game programs on reservation land. This includes funding for the Upper Columbia United Tribes and the Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Inventory and Assessment Program in Washington state.
• $3 million for EPA's Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Control Infrastructure Technologies Grant Program, a $1 million increase above FY24. The Washington Stormwater Center, a collaboration between Washington State University and the University of Washington, works to provide stormwater management solutions through research, training, and education.
• $6.1 billion for wildfire preparedness and suppression efforts, along with new investments to support our nation's federal firefighting workforce and establish a permanent pay fix so they don't face a pay cut.

A full summary of the bill is available HERE.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill

In the draft legislation, Senator Murray secured $70.425 million for 33 important CDS projects in Washington state:

• $3.2 million for the Bellingham International Airport to design and construct an international arrivals facility.
• $1.5 million for Bellwether Housing to construct affordable homes.
• $3 million for the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority for project development work on a regional light rail project.
• $3.4 million for the Children's Home Society of Washington for renovations to a family resource center and construction of a behavioral health facility.
• $1.2 million for the City of Federal Way for rehabilitation of community center.
• $3.5 million for the City of Kelso to construct new affordable housing, a community center, and a library.
• $2 million for the City of Washougal to construct a new underpass under an existing at-grade rail crossing.
• $2.5 million for Community Transit to plan and design a bus rapid transit line.
• $2 million for Council for the Homeless to construct a homeless crisis response center.
• $2 million for Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties to construct affordable housing.
• $2.5 million for Hoh Indian Tribe to design and construct an intersection and other improvements on Highway 101.
• $2.5 million for Housing Hope for construction of a new child development center.
• $2.5 million for Kitsap Mental Health Services for construction of a mental health facility.
• $3 million for Low Income Housing Institute for construction of affordable housing and a free hygiene center.
• $4 million for OPAL Community Land Trust to construct affordable housing.
• $3.55 million for the Port of Benton for modernization and rehabilitation of a rail line and establishment of an intermodal facility.
• $1.5 million for the Port of Skagit for construction of an agricultural innovation center.
• $1.5 million for the Seattle Indian Services Commission to construct affordable housing, an early learning center, and a child care facility.
• $1.5 million for the Shelton Family Center to construct transitional housing units for homeless youth.
• $2 million for Spokane Neighborhood Action for construction of affordable housing for seniors.
• $800,000 for United Way of King County to provide emergency food.
• $1.9 million Washington State Ferries to construct a passenger-only ferry dock.
• $1 million for the City of Everett to design and construct of complete streets projects.
• $2 million for the City of La Center for a fish passage improvement project.
• $2 million for the City of Ridgefield for construction of road safety updates and culvert replacement project.
• $2 million for the City of SeaTac for construction of pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
• $2.5 million for the City of Seattle to complete streets infrastructure improvements along the Third Avenue transit corridor.
• $2.5 million for the City of Tacoma for design and construction of roadway and pedestrian improvements along the Portland Avenue corridor.
• $2 million for the City of Warden for design and construction of off-street parking facilities for commercial vehicles.
• $675,000 for Pierce County for installation of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• $1 million for Pierce County for planning and construction of a pedestrian trail.
• $2.2 million for YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties for construction of a new community center facility.

Senator Murray also secured a number of national funding priorities that are particularly important to Washington state, including:

• A record $1.455 billion for the Native American housing programs, a $111 million increase over fiscal year 2024. Tribes across Washington state use these flexible programs to provide rental assistance, build affordable housing, and provide supportive services.
• $4.319 billion for the Homeless Assistance Grants program, an increase of $268 million over fiscal year 2024. The bill includes funding to provide direct technical assistance to communities that are leveraging other funds, like Medicaid, to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to housing-related services and behavioral healthcare-including a program announced in Washington state.
• $145.5 million for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, a $5 million boost over fiscal year 2024, to renew service coordinators that help Section 8 and public housing residents achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. This program has been used by a number of housing authorities in Washington state to help families access services including job training, employment counseling, financial literacy, and homeownership counseling.
• $2.262 billion for the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants program, a $57 million increase above fiscal year 2024, to improve access and reduce congestion and harmful emissions.
• $1.425 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the largest federal block grant to states and local governments to expand the supply and affordability of housing to low-income people-a $175 million increase.
• $33 million for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program, a $12 million increase over fiscal year 2024, through which Washington State Ferries has successfully competed for funding.
• $34 million for the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program, a $14 million increase over FY24, and continues language that ensures Washington State Ferries can compete for these funds on their rural routes.
• $2.638 billion for Amtrak, an increase of $210 million above FY24, which includes $20 million for the Pacific Northwest rail improvements initiative for infrastructure, stations, and facility improvements across the region.
• $22 billion for the FAA, an increase of $1.931 billion over fiscal year 2024, which will allow the FAA to continue its air traffic controller hiring surge by adding 2,000 new controllers, improving training facilities at the air traffic controller academy, and hiring 55 new aviation safety inspectors to strengthen oversight of Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems.
• $25 million for a new competitive bridge program that will assist Adams and Grant counties with replacing or rehabilitating rural bridges impacted by the Bureau of Reclamation's ongoing Odessa Ground Water Replacement project.
• $550 million for the RAISE Grant program, which Senator Murray established by in 2009, an increase of $205 million over FY24.
• $8 million in new funding for stormwater management to reduce the impact of 6PPD on salmon-bearing streams. The runoff of 6PPD from roadways into waterways is negatively impacting Endangered Species Act listed fish. While efforts to find an alternative to 6PPD in tires are ongoing, improving stormwater management is a proven and effective way to mitigate impacts in the near term.

A full summary of the bill is available HERE.

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill

More information about the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill that Senator Murray played a key role in writing is available HERE.

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