Local News

School recovery proposal by Rep. Brad Hawkins passes House unanimously

Feb 09, 2015

A bill to help schools restore infrastructure in the aftermath of natural disasters was approved by the House of Representatives today by a vote of 96-0 and was among the first group of bills to clear the full House this year.

House Bill 1003, sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, would pull together state resources and agencies to develop a model policy to help school districts restore their facilities following disasters. These resources include the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, risk management entities, educational service districts, and school districts affected by prior natural disasters. The policy would detail who to contact for state support and what financial resources might be available.

"After the devastating Carlton Complex Fire, Pateros school district’s only school building was filled with smoke and needed major repairs, including roof repairs. When I visited Pateros following the fire, school officials told me they were a bit overwhelmed with where to start to get their building in working order," said Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee. "The devastation is hard enough to endure without the added stress of figuring out who to call and how to pay for it. I'm hopeful this model policy for school districts will be a useful tool after natural disasters so school officials will know exactly who to contact and what resources might be available as they move forward."

The proposal would apply to all natural disasters, including floods, landslides, earthquakes and wildfires. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.