State Representative Bill G. Schuette today highlighted a pair of investments he fought for within an advancing House budget plan.

“Whenever I evaluate a state budget plan, I want to make sure it works for people in areas I represent and that hardworking people and families have a good return on their tax dollars,” Schuette said. “This budget addresses local priorities in a number of ways and devotes resources that ensure our communities are an even better place to live and work.”

A total of $450,000 for the upcoming fiscal year would go to water main work for the city of Beaverton. A looping project will allow the city to isolate any potential break and seamlessly execute a shut-off while reducing the number of people affected.

An additional $650,000 funding request was also included in the budget plan for the city of Colmen to make improvements to an existing sanitary sewer lift station that serves the community’s industrial district. The lift station plays a vital role in transferring wastewater and protecting public health.

Schuette previously welcomed Beaverton City Manager Shannon Sirpilla and Director of Downtown & Community Development Matt Lang to testify on the planned water main project before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity

“These projects support future growth and ensure residents aren’t exposed to issues with their water that could be hazardous to their health,” Schuette said. “I want to thank local officials in Beaverton and Coleman for their cooperation as we made these funding requests, and I’ll continue fighting for this critical infrastructure funding for our communities as the budget process moves forward.”

The budget plan that passed through the House respects taxpayers by protecting the state’s rainy-day fund, preventing new taxes or fees and building on core commitments.

The budget proposal includes record-high per-pupil funding with a $250 increase, bringing the foundation allowance to $10,300. It also provides an additional $100 million for infrastructure on top of last year’s historic $2 billion investment in local roads and bridges, while increasing revenue sharing by $65 million to support local communities as they provide critical services.