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.