PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Counties are responsible for funding, constructing, operating and
maintaining a wide variety of public infrastructure projects and
facilities, which are vital to the health, safety, and welfare of county
residents. Included in this infrastructure are roads and streets;
bridges; sewer, water and storm water facilities; parks; courthouses and
other administrative facilities; public health clinics; Geographic
Information Systems (GIS); dispatch and communication centers, and other
technological improvements; behavioral health residential and treatment
facilities; and jails and juvenile detention facilities.
Population growth, deteriorating and aging facilities and emerging
technologies are key factors contributing to a growing deficit in county
infrastructure. Counties are not alone; cities and special districts
share the problem. Special levies and other traditional local funding
sources have not been successful as funding tools. State government also
benefits from the tax-paying businesses and residents who are supported
by local infrastructure.
WSAC Policy: Funding to meet the infrastructure requirements of
Washington’s businesses and residents is a shared responsibility of
state and local government. State and local policymakers must come
together to find funding solutions to help pay the costs of
environmental protection and maintenance of the state’s quality of life
as it faces the pressures of rapid growth. At the same time, county and
city comprehensive plans and capital facilities plans should be used by
the state in establishing its priorities for use of infrastructure
funds. Counties support continued use of the state Public Works Trust
Fund revolving loan program for local roads, streets, bridges, water
systems, sewer systems and storm water facilities. Counties also support
expanded use of the loan fund for county courthouse facilities,
including adult or juvenile detention facilities. In addition, counties
support state grant assistance for the construction and maintenance of
county law and justice facilities.
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