WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Ninth District Leaders, Organizations, and Agencies Applaud FY 2025 Community Project Funding Requests
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) recently announced the 15 Community Project Funding requests he submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations bill.
This funding would support projects across the Ninth District that invest in affordable housing, workforce development and job training, public safety, economic development, transportation and infrastructure, and more.
See below for statements of support from local leaders, organizations, and agencies.
Purpose Dignity Action – CID Public Safety Team
“For years, CID community leaders have been attempting to generate a community-based public safety response that addresses issues with complex origins, including income inequality, inadequate resources to care for people with profound mental illness, mass homelessness, the residual effects of pandemic closures, and the fentanyl epidemic. We appreciate Representative Smith's office for supporting a project that will enable such a response.” – Purpose Dignity Action
City of Renton – Kennydale Lakeline Sanitary Sewer and Water Quality Preservation
“Protecting our environment and preserving community resources is a top priority for Renton. The Kennydale Lakeline Sanitary Sewer and Water Quality Preservation Project safeguards Lake Washington and ensures our residents continue to enjoy this beautiful resource. When we address future environmental issues, we secure a safe and thriving future for our city and the entire region. Our thanks to Congressman Smith on his support in securing Federal funding for this project.” – Mayor Armondo Pavone, City of Renton
City of Seattle – Post Overdose Opioid Response & Seattle Public Library – Columbia Library Seismic Retrofit
“Addressing the opioid crisis and upgrading our infrastructure—be it roads, bridges, or buildings—are critical priorities nationally and locally. The deadly fentanyl and synthetic opioid crisis that we are seeing on our streets and in our neighborhoods demands urgency, compassion and innovation in how we invest and support people suffering addiction. At the same time, we must invest and upgrade our built environment to ensure our infrastructure can withstand seismic events, particularly ensuring public assets like our libraries stand strong for generations to come. I applaud Congressman Adam Smith for his leadership and his support of these investments that will greatly benefit the City of Seattle.” – Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle
City of Bellevue – Bellevue Grand Connection: I-405 Crossing (Downtown to Eastrail)
“We are grateful for Rep. Smith’s $2.5 million funding request for Bellevue’s Grand Connection Crossing in the next House appropriations bill. This transformative pedestrian and bicyclist crossing over I-405 will link downtown Bellevue to a 125-mile regional trail network, provide greater regional access to quality jobs and cultural benefits at the heart of the Eastside, and create new signature public gathering spaces that will enable more people to explore and enjoy the many opportunities offered in Bellevue.” – Mayor Lynne Robinson, City of Bellevue
City of Tukwila – Tukwila Community Center HVAC Replacement
“I want to thank Representative Adam Smith for his support of the City of Tukwila’s Community Project Funding request. The City’s project, to make much needed upgrades to the HVAC system at the Tukwila Community Center, will allow the City to maintain and expand the City’s Park and Recreation offerings. Additionally, the community will have access to a cooling/warming shelter during extreme weather events.” – Mayor Thomas McLeod, City of Tukwila
Green River College – Electric Vehicle Automotive Center
“Green River College's Electric Vehicle Automotive Center will empower students with hands-on training with the latest EV technology and diagnostic tools, ensuring students gain the practical skills needed in this emerging and high-demand industry. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, we hope to create a regional training hub bridging the gap between education and employment in the high-demand EV sector.” – Dr. Suzanne M. Johnson, President, Green River College
“With the rising rate of Electric vehicles on the roads. It is imperative that we have quality trained technicians to maintain and repair these vehicles. For example, with the addition of high voltage motors and batteries, safety is top priority.” – David Lewis, Instructor, Green River College Automotive Technology Program
City of Des Moines – Midway Park Construction
“The City of Des Moines is pleased that Midway Park is one of the selected projects for funding from the office of Congressman Smith. We are currently in the design phase in expanding and upgrading the park, and this funding will support construction efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents and create a vibrant, inclusive community space. The Midway Park Project is special for our city, reflecting our commitment to community well-being, and stewardship. We are excited to see this project come to life and provide a beautiful, accessible space for all residents to enjoy. The City extends its gratitude to all the stakeholders, community members, and planners who have contributed to the vision and planning of the Midway Park Project, and to Representative Smith for his leadership in championing its Congressional funding.” – Mayor Traci Buxton, City of Des Moines
Community Roots Housing – Joe Black & Burton Wetmore Apartments Affordable Housing Preservation
“This funding will support the preservation of increasingly rare, affordable two- to three-bedroom homes that are critical to Seattle families who have been impacted by our region's growing cost of living. We’re grateful to Congressman Smith for valuing preservation and directing investment into the long-term sustainability of the Joe Black and Byron-Wetmore properties to help ensure safe, quality, affordable homes for generations to come.” – Christopher Persons, CEO, Community Roots Housing
South King Fire – Firefighter PPE CO2 Decontamination Unit
“We are grateful for Congressman Adam Smith's leadership in protecting the health of our firefighters. These funds will go towards a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Cleaning System, a cutting-edge technology that will clean up to 98% of the contaminants in our firefighters' personal protective equipment. Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. The CO2 cleaning process will reduce our firefighters' exposure to cancercausing substances first responders often face when fighting fires and helping community members in crisis. This CO2 cleaning system will become a regional asset covering thirteen fire departments in King County. We appreciate your support of the Fire Service and are grateful for all that you do to help secure funds for the Carbon Dioxide Cleaning System.” – Dave Van Valkenburg, Fire Chief, South King Fire
Seattle Indian Services Commission – Native Village & Gateway Project
“The Seattle Indian Services Commission raises their hands in gratitude to Representative Smith for his gracious support of the Native Village and Gateway Project which will serve as a cultural icon for Seattle’s Native community. This investment will support an Economic Empowerment Center and daycare/early childhood education center for residents of the Native Village and serve as a catalyst for new affordable housing units.” – Iris Friday, Chair, Seattle Indian Services Commission
Highline College – Soccer and Sports Complex Rehabilitation
“We are thrilled to see the Community Soccer and Sportfield Complex becoming a reality after years of anticipation. This project, long in the making, will bridge equity gaps and offer a state-of-the-art, year-round sports playing surface for our diverse community. We look forward to engaging with our community and fostering unity through sport. We are excited to see the positive impact the new sports complex will have on South King County.” – Dr. John Mosby, President, Highline College
King County Water District 54 – Water Treatment Modernization
“We can’t thank Congressman Smith enough for his support of this investment which will ensure our ratepayers have access to reliability clean water. By modernizing our water treatment facility, we are not only improving water quality but also reliability, reducing health disparities and ensuring public trust of our water supply.” – Catherine Barashkoff, Commissioner, King County Water District 54
City of Kent – Mobile Command Police Vehicle
“I want to thank Congressman Adam Smith for his commitment to Kent and advocating for the safety of our residents. Congressman Smith has requested funding from the House Appropriations Committee that will enhance public safety in our community. We are grateful for the Congressman’s support and ongoing interest in our city.” – Mayor Dana Ralph, City of Kent
Find more information about the FY 2025 Community Project Funding requests, including project descriptions here.
Submitting projects to the House Appropriations Committee is the first step in the process and does not guarantee they will be funded. Rep. Smith will continue to advocate for this funding to be passed by Congress and signed into law.
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