The Washington Senate has approved an updated construction budget, a plan that Democrats say will translate to some 4,800 jobs.
The $5.7 billion capital budget passed Wednesday by a 32-16 vote.
It represents about $140 million less in bond income, the result of a lower debt ceiling tied to recent drops in state revenue. Another $150 million was transferred to the state’s operating budget.
The capital budget also includes $39 million for new construction projects, including campus improvements at the University of Washington and Central Washington University.
The proposal is a 4.8 percent reduction from the 2009-2011 capital budget approved last year.
The Senate’s version now heads to the House for approval. (AP)
