"OLYMPIA — Voters would decide whether to launch a statewide package of energy-efficient school makeovers under a bill approved Wednesday by the state House.
The plan, organized by Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, is aimed at spurring specialized construction jobs and capturing electricity savings at public buildings.
If approved by the Legislature and endorsed by voters in November, the projects could feed about 38,000 jobs and save taxpayers about $190 million per year in energy costs, Dunshee estimates.
The state would sell about $860 million in bonds to finance the projects with grants. K-12 public schools and public colleges or universities would get the lion's share, although some local governments and other entities could compete.
State taxpayers would be on the hook for about $1.5 billion over 20 years to pay off the bonds, including interest."
The plan, organized by Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, is aimed at spurring specialized construction jobs and capturing electricity savings at public buildings.
If approved by the Legislature and endorsed by voters in November, the projects could feed about 38,000 jobs and save taxpayers about $190 million per year in energy costs, Dunshee estimates.
The state would sell about $860 million in bonds to finance the projects with grants. K-12 public schools and public colleges or universities would get the lion's share, although some local governments and other entities could compete.
State taxpayers would be on the hook for about $1.5 billion over 20 years to pay off the bonds, including interest."