State gets 360 suggestions for its share of stimulus

OLYMPIA — Dick Thompson is a popular guy.

Gov. Chris Gregoire tapped him to coordinate the federal economic-stimulus package that the state says could bring in more than $4 billion — including nearly $1 billion for so-called "shovel-ready" construction projects that can quickly put people to work.

It's no wonder that hundreds of people have called, e-mailed or tried to visit him in person since his appointment late last month. He technically works for the Governor's Office but is a volunteer. It's a full-time job with no pay.

"Every 15 minutes, somebody comes in here," Thompson said recently, taking a break in his basement office near the state Capitol. "You can't believe the breadth of projects."

In fact, it's a feeding frenzy.

The governor's budget office is trying to keep track of all the requests in a spreadsheet. As of Tuesday, there were more than 360 proposals totaling nearly $1.5 billion. They range from $48 million for an agriculture-research lab at Washington State University to $150,000 for a livestock-slaughter truck in Okanogan County.

State officials stressed that the list was not complete. More requests are coming in, and some cities and organizations may be dealing directly with Congress instead of going through the Governor's Office.

The U.S. House passed a federal stimulus package Wednesday, but the state won't know exactly how much it will receive until the Senate passes its bill and the two versions are reconciled.

The list of requests kept by the governor's budget office shows the school district in Adna, Lewis County, has asked for more than $8 million for new classrooms, a kitchen expansion, a science lab and other projects. The city of Lakewood, Pierce County, had more than 30 requests, including $22 million for reconstruction of Lakes High School. Renton put in for $80 million for a regional jail.

It's certain that many people asking for a piece of the construction money will be disappointed.

State officials originally thought they'd have a lot of flexibility in how the money is spent. Instead, the money is expected to come with lots of strings attached.

"We've gotten requests for fire stations and libraries and police stations," said Thompson, 65, who has extensive state-government experience, including a stint as former Gov. Gary Locke's budget director. "Now I know there's no pot [of money] for any of those."

For example, the Walla Walla Police Department was hoping to get $12 million for a new police station.

"We've been operating out of the basement of the City Hall. We've been here 100 years," said Capt. Terry Heisey, with the department. "We're out of space."

Thompson was doubtful about that request, saying it didn't fit neatly into any of the federal categories he's seen.

The Okanogan Conservation District has sent in several requests, totaling more than $7 million, for everything from irrigation-system improvements to a new slaughter truck to help revive the local livestock industry.

Laura Clark, with the conservation district, said the region's economy is suffering and could use the money. But she's trying to be realistic about her chances. "I'm not holding my breath on any of it," she said.

Thompson said much of the money will be handled through existing government programs that rank projects based on their merits.

In some situations, such as funding for higher-education construction projects, the proposals may be vetted by the budget committees in the state Legislature.

In other cases, it's still a guessing game who will decide which projects are funded.

Although the Governor's Office is keeping track of requests, Thompson said that doesn't hold much meaning. "A list presumes there's some kind of priority to them," he said. "There is no priority to them right now."

The best they can do is answer the phones, take down the information and ultimately see which projects match the desires of Congress.

Andrew Garber: 360-236-8268 or agarber@seattletimes.com