OLYMPIA - A $2 million grant to pay for the first phase of the North Dam replacement project in Moses Lake has been included in the House supplemental capital budget proposal released last week.

The budget proposal for the grant to the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District can be used for design, permitting, management and actual construction costs for the first phase of replacing the dam.

The dam and Sand Dunes Road has been closed since Labor Day weekend, when Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District crews discovered a sinkhole near the structure. An emergency cut-off wall, or cofferdam, was installed to take the hydraulic pressure off the dam as a short-term solution. Construction was slated to begin in January and engineers set a March 31 deadline to have the facility hydraulically functional.

Both Reps. Judy Warnick and Matt Manweller said they were pleased the funding was made available. Though Warnick, R-Moses Lake, does not serve as the ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee because of her leadership rolls as caucus chair for the House Republicans, she remains active on the committee.

"I've always said the primary purpose of the capital budget is for infrastructure improvement and long-term investment projects, and that is exactly what this funding will be used for," Warnick said. "I'm pleased the House proposal included this critical funding to ensure we protect private and public investments along Moses Lake. I'm also working with local governments and state agencies to secure additional funding to complete this project."

The House Capital Budget Committee held a public hearing Thursday and passed the proposal, moving it closer to consideration by the full House.

Manweller said the funding for the North Dam project is a critical public safety issue.

"Funding for this project is an urgent need to address possible flood risk on the south end of the lake," he said. "Additional funding may be needed in the future, but this is a good first step to prevent an emergency situation."

Manweller added they are working with Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, to ensure the funds are included in the Senate Capital Budget.

The House could vote on the capital budget as early as next week. The legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 13.