Washington state lawmakers will debate a new $1 billion stimulus plan designed to approve funding for a wide variety of infrastructure projects, with the aim of revitalizing the state's construction industry.
The plan includes improvements to schools, state parks, environmental management and a variety of other projects, reports The Associated Press. Washington's employment rate is currently at 8.5 percent and construction jobs dropped by more than one-third during the recession.
The Washington State Labor Council, the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Associated General Contractors of Washington have actually presented a plan to lawmakers that is twice the size of the $1 billion bill, saying it will create thousands of jobs.
"If you want to fix the economy, fix construction," Rick Slunaker, a lobbyist for the Associated General Contractors (AGC), told the news source.
If the plan passes, Washington construction owners may soon find themselves with an influx of projects. IronPlanet is a member of the AGC, and supports the industry by providing an easier way for contractors to buy and sell used construction equipment.
