NWAC Funding Update - 3/8/06 - 12:30 p.m.<br><br>I spoke with a staff member in the Senate Demoncratic Caucaus this afternoon who was able to confirm that the supplemental budget agreement reached in the last day or so, and set for a vote later this afternoon, DOES include $35,000 for fiscal year 2006 funding for the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center.<br><br>The funding is included within the supplemental Transportation budget. The budget bill in the Senate will be Senate Bill 6241 or SB6241 for those who want to search for it at
www.leg.wa.gov
. I believe that it will show up on-line once adopted.
It is my understanding that our support will be needed again in January as the Legislature begins work on the next budget as this current funding is only for 2006.
It is my understanding from the earlier posts that the NWAC acticipates a shortfall of +/- $75,000 that will need our support in the next legislative session starting in January of 2007. Perhaps someone affiliated with the NWAC in an official capacity can help to confirm this for us.
Please take a minute to thank your legislators for including this funding for 2006. I believe that Senator Ken Jacobsen (D-46th Seattle) played an important role in securing this funding for the NWAC and he should be thanked as well.
Thanks also to Mark, Garth and the other folks who make the NWAC such a great resource for all of us here in the Northwest!
J.P.
