Axel Swanson of the Association of County Engineers told the committee he appreciated proposed match funding for federal broadband grants but urged continued support for fish‑passage and the Public Works Assistance account. "We are very appreciative of $230,000,000 in this budget for matching funds for the federal broadband grants that we're about to come to our state in the next biennium," Swanson said, and he asked the Legislature to increase fish barrier and public works assistance amounts to meet demand.

Gary Rowe, vice chair of the Public Works Board, told the committee the Board requested $400,000,000 for the Public Works Assistance account and was concerned the governor's budget proposal of $350,000,000 plus transfers would undercut local capacity. He asked the Legislature to restore the higher level requested by the Board.

Several city managers described immediate infrastructure needs. Dan Ford, city manager of Toppenish, said his wastewater plant requires urgent improvements and that a conditional award of $8,100,000 from the Public Works Board helps prevent steep rate increases for residents. Sunnyside city manager Mike Gonzales said Sunnyside must rehabilitate two wells and requested state support. Chelan's mayor asked for $9,000,000 to complete a reservoir and transmission work tied to a major water supply and emergency firefighting upgrade.

John Erickson and other irrigation and groundwater advocates pressed for continued support for Odessa groundwater replacement programs to reduce strain on aquifers and leverage local and federal match that previously yielded near dollar‑for‑dollar leverage.

Why it matters: reductions to the Public Works Assistance account or failure to fund broadband matching dollars can delay or change the scope of critical local infrastructure projects and place heavier burdens on ratepayers.

Provenance: testimony from county engineers, Public Works Board and municipal officials during the capital budget hearing.