The Senate Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on the proposed biennial capital budget this afternoon.

The Senate’s proposed capital budget provides for $1.23 billion in bond-supported capital budget capacity for the state. The proposed capital budget is 21% smaller than the current 2009-11 biennim in total funds and a third smaller in bond funded projects.

The Senate’s proposed capital budget provides $590 million for higher education facilities. Over half of the funds go to the four-year institutions. This includes partial funding for Evergreen’s Communications Building and full funding for the science lab renovation.

The Evergreen State College testified with concerns about the proposed capital budget. While Evergreen supports the commitment to funding for infrastructure needs at Washington’s higher education institutions (including Evergreen’s Science Lab I 2nd Floor Renovation), the College expressed concern with regard to the lower funding level proposed for the Communication Building renovation. The College requested $10.77 million and the budget provides for $9.16 million. The College asked the Senate to fully fund this project.