Proposed state constitutional amendment aims to protect local government public works funding

A new bill from Sens. Mark Mullet (D–Issaquah) and Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) would establish a public works revolving account in the state Treasury, to be used strictly for the purpose of providing loans and grants to local governments for infrastructure projects. Following repeated sweeps of the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA) by the state Legislature in recent years, the proposal attempts to create a constitutional protection of public works funding for local governments.

According to SB 8201, the PWAA would remain intact. However, all moneys received from local governments in the repayment of loans made under the PWAA and the newly established revolving account would be paid into the revolving account. Repayments would no longer be paid into the PWAA.

The proposal requires an amendment to the Washington State Constitution; this means that if the bill is passed this legislative session, the measure would go before the public in the next general election. If approved by voters, the amendment would go into effect July 1, 2025.

AWC supports the bill and thanks Sens. Mullet and Warnick for their work to protect a critical source of funding for local infrastructure.