The compromise 2014 supplemental operating budget unveiled during the noon hour funds a needed match to support Washington State University’s recent designation by the Federal Aviation Administration for a Center of Excellence in Jet Fuels and the Environment.
The budget is expected to be approved by lawmakers today, the last day of this year’s 60-day legislative session. You can find budget documents here.
The $750,000 in matching funding — of which $500,000 will be ongoing annually — was WSU’s top legislative priority going into session and will leverage federal and private funding the center will receive.
WSU will lead the center along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A total of 14 other universities across the United States will collaborate in the center’s research and more than 50 public and private stakeholders will help identify the needs that will shape the center’s research priorities.
The operating budget maintains the tuition freeze enacted last year at the state’s four-year baccalaureate institutions for the second year in a row. You can find coverage on the budget by the Seattle Times here and the Associated Press here.
The final budget now needs a floor vote in the House and the Senate before being delivered to Governor Inslee for signature. Both chambers will be on the floor later today to consider the budget and other remaining legislation in need of final passage before scheduled adjournment, the end of today.