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Benton County lobbyist outlines $21 million Highway 1 ask, tax-exemption push and shelter support
Summary
At a county board meeting, the county's lobbyist reported that Benton County has asked lawmakers for $21 million for the Highway 1 project, is pursuing a local tax-exemption bill and is supporting the Avivo homeless shelter; he said a Senate tax-committee hearing is scheduled this week.
Grady, Benton County's lobbyist at the state Capitol, told commissioners the Legislature is narrowly divided and that most bills will need bipartisan support this session. He said county meetings with legislators emphasized two county priorities: a $21,000,000 funding request for the Highway 1 project and a proposed local tax exemption the board is pursuing.
"In our meetings we raised again the Benton County project and ask for $21,000,000," Grady said, and added that county representatives had met with Senator Pappas and transportation committee leaders to press the case. He said a hearing on the county's tax-exemption proposal was set for Thursday in the Senate tax committee.
Grady told the board Senator Pappas indicated roughly $790 million in bonding is available this year, with about $1 billion anticipated next year, but noted that a bonding bill faces timing constraints tied to the session calendar and an upcoming special election. He urged continued lobbying and follow-up meetings with legislators.
Commissioners thanked Grady for arranging Capitol visits and described face-to-face meetings with lawmakers as crucial to advancing county projects. The board did not take a formal vote on the lobbying plan; Grady said staff and county delegates will continue outreach and will update the board on developments after committee action.
