CWU priorities included in state’s supplemental budgets

The Washington State Legislature has approved its supplemental budgets for the 2025 fiscal year, which include significant operating and construction funding for Central Washington University.

Most notably, the final budgets approved by the House and Senate on March 8 include $16.5 million for additional geothermal power infrastructure and $4.5 million for additional clean energy projects on the Ellensburg campus, plus $398,000 in ongoing annual funding to support staffing for student basic needs at PATH (Prevention, Advocacy, Training, and Healing), the Wildcat Pantry, and in the Financial Aid office.

CWU President Jim Wohlpart said the funding shows Washington’s commitment to environmental stewardship and student success.

“We are extremely pleased that the Legislature recognized the importance of ensuring the success of our students in the classroom and our need to decarbonize the campus so we can live into our commitment to environmental sustainability while also complying with the Clean Buildings Act,” he said. “This new state funding greatly enhances our ability to make significant progress in both of those areas.”

The state’s largest contribution in the budget will go toward funding a second geothermal module on the Ellensburg campus. The new facility, planned for the south end of campus, will provide renewable heating and cooling for Discovery Hall, Samuelson, and Health Sciences, adding up to a combined coverage area of 341,000 square feet.

In addition, the Legislature provided significant funding to complete a comprehensive energy upgrade for the Science I building, which currently consumes more energy than any other building on campus.

CWU Director of Capital Planning and Projects Delano Palmer said both of these investments make both environmental and financial sense.

“These two projects represent very high value to the state in terms of what they will accomplish and for how much they are expected to cost,” he said. “Not only are these projects good for the environment; they will also save the university significantly in terms of future utility costs.”

Funding for the two decarbonization projects comes from the state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which could be repealed if a November ballot measure is successful. While the CCA is currently state law, the funding earmarked for these projects would be put on hold.

Meanwhile, the supplemental operating budget approved earlier this month will provide the funding needed to hire staff needed to help CWU students navigate food insecurity, gender-based violence, and the financial aid system. Since 43% of CWU students are first-generation, that kind of functional support will be crucial for their retention and eventual graduation, Wohlpart noted.

“We are committed to making sure our students feel welcome, safe, and supported as part of the Wildcat family,” he said. “With this support from the Legislature, we’ll be able to advance that commitment even further.”

The $398,000 that will be put toward these student safety and wellness programs has appeared on all three operating budget proposals leading up to the 2025 budget, demonstrating alignment with CWU’s values by Governor Jay Inslee and the Legislature.

The supplemental budget package also includes $1.5 million in additional statewide financial aid funds to help enact a bill that will extend eligibility terms for the Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, and the Passport to Careers programs. This change aims to serve more students and simplify processes as state programs will now align with the federal PELL program.

Wohlpart expressed his gratitude to Washington lawmakers for continuing to support CWU’s vision and mission.

“I am especially grateful to the Legislature, particularly the budget writers and our local delegation, for their hard work this session to support this funding for CWU,” he said. “These investments will benefit CWU students for generations to come.”

Before the budget becomes law, Governor Inslee must sign or veto the budget legislation before March 30. Each of CWU’s budget priorities was included in Inslee’s budget proposal, released in late 2023.