Larsen Secures Local Jobs and Infrastructure Investments in Funding Bills

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Secures Local Jobs and Infrastructure Investments in Funding Bills

Washington, D.C., February 9, 2026

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting yes on Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) spending bills. The package passed the House with bipartisan support on a 341-88 vote and was recently signed into law.  

“This legislative package creates jobs, builds community centers and strengthens infrastructure in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “Each investment of federal dollars here at home will serve our communities for decades to come. I will keep working closely with local leaders to make sure federal spending benefits the communities I represent.”  

Larsen’s Requested Funding for Local Projects Included  

Last week, Rep. Larsen secured $10,160,295 for ten projects in Northwest Washington. Funding for those projects is included in the FY26 spending package.  

  • $2,000,000 for Community Transit’s Bus Replacement Project to purchase battery electric buses and chargers to replace diesel buses that are beyond their expected useful life. 

  • $2,000,000 for Latino Educational Training Institute (LETI)’s Incubator for Family Success for Edmonds College and LETI to establish a comprehensive community center in South Everett for low-income families in Snohomish County. 

  • $1,510,295 for Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County to preserve and renovate the Douglas Building so that it can serve more survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 

  • $1,200,000 to reconstruct the Port of Edmonds’ North Portwalk and Seawall to protect the Port and surrounding community and improve public access.  

  • $1,000,000 for Lynden’s Flood, Agriculture, Safety, Salmon, and Transportation (FASST) project to relocate Pepin Creek, preventing future floods during winter storms and protecting salmon and other endangered fish.

  • Larsen secured a $2,000,000 grant for the Pepin Creek FAAST project from the U.S. Department of Transportation last January. 

  • $850,000 to renovate Bellingham’s Central Library, including updated windows, upgraded main and children’s entrances, and a refreshed plaza. 

  • $850,000 for the construction of Edmonds Food Bank and Community Engagement Space, which will provide increased food bank space, a commercial kitchen and community meeting spaces. 

  • $250,000 to build Anacortes’ Community Event Center that will host large-scale tourist-oriented events, local nonprofit events and private rentals. 

  • $250,000 for Snohomish County’s Intermodal Yard, which will add a new track and improved storage areas and is designed to increase the railroad yard’s operating capacity.  

Testimonials from Local Stakeholders about Funding Larsen Secured 

Lynden’s Pepin Flood, Agriculture, Safety, Salmon, and Transportation (FASST) project 

“Representative Larsen has been a champion of bringing funding back to Washington State and Lynden for key infrastructure projects. The Pepin sub-area is the largest area in the city remaining for residential development; however, it presents numerous challenges including a lack of infrastructure. This federal funding is a major win for our city,” said Scott Korthuis, Mayor of Lynden. “It allows us to invest directly in critical projects that strengthen our infrastructure, support our residents, and position our community for long-term success. We greatly appreciate Representative Larsen’s efforts on behalf of the City of Lynden.” 

Bellingham Central Library Renovation 

“This funding for the Bellingham Central Library is a tremendous investment in the heart of our community,” said Kim Lund, Mayor of Bellingham. “The library is a welcoming place where people of all ages come to learn and connect, and this funding will help us enhance accessibility and create a more vibrant, inviting experience for everyone. We are grateful for Rep. Rick Larsen’s leadership and partnership in making this project a reality for Bellingham.” 

“We are incredibly grateful to Rep. Rick Larsen for championing libraries as essential community anchors,” said Rebecca Judd, Bellingham Library Director. “This funding will help us move forward with long-anticipated exterior and accessibility improvements that will make the library more inclusive for all, especially families and children. The Bellingham Central Library is a treasured part of our community, and our shared commitment ensures future generations will have a place to learn and grow together.” 

Anacortes Community Event Center 

“We’re grateful for Representative Larsen’s support of our community event facility, which will be a transformative opportunity to advance local tourism, stimulate economic development, and provide an essential gathering space for residents and visitors alike,” said Ryan Walters, Mayor of Anacortes. “This facility will generate long-term revenue for the city and county, support small business growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.” 

DVSAS of Whatcom County Douglas Building Preservation 

“Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) extends its deepest gratitude to Congressman Larsen and his team for their efforts in prioritizing funding to preserve our downtown support center,” said Meghan Tinsley, Operations Director of DVSAS. “Securing this vital funding guarantees continued access to essential services for individuals experiencing domestic or sexual violence, ensuring survivors have a lifeline to safety and immediate access to crisis services. Congressman Larsen’s commitment to preserving our downtown support center ensures everyone in our community has access to safety and support, now and for years to come.” 

Port of Everett South Marina Terminal Replacement 

“The Port of Everett appreciates Representative Larsen’s advocacy for investment in critical infrastructure across the region,” Port of Everett CEO/Executive Director Lisa Lefeber said. “This funding is key in advancing our Dock 1 replacement to add necessary capacity and create new passenger connections in the Puget Sound. It also opens new opportunities to diversify tourism and strengthen our regional economy.”   

Community Transit Bus Replacement Project 

“Community Transit is committed to helping people get from where they are to where they want to be with safe, reliable public transportation,” said Ric Ilgenfritz, CEO of Community Transit. “Replacing older diesel buses with new, lower emission buses ensures better service and a cleaner environment. We thank Rep. Larsen for delivering the benefits this crucial investment brings to our region.” 

LETI Incubator for Family Success 

“The ‘Incubator for Family Success’ represents a vital bridge for our community, providing the resources necessary for families to thrive and students to reach their highest potential, said Edmonds College President Dr. Amit B Singh. “Our deep partnership with LETI is rooted in a shared commitment to opportunity, and we are grateful to Representative Rick Larsen for his steadfast advocacy in securing this funding for Snohomish County.”  

“We are grateful for Representative Larsen’s continued support of LETI’s Incubator for Family Success and for Edmonds College’s partnership in this initiative. This center will become an enduring resource for Latino and low-income families across Snohomish County—fostering multigenerational dialogue, cultural-retention programs, and access to vital services, while also providing flexible rental space,” said Rosario Reyes, Founder & CEO of LETI. “Through business development and self-sustaining income opportunities generated by the center, LETI will create a sustainable funding model that reduces reliance on future public funding. This will allow LETI to strengthen and focus its work to support and empower low-income families through education, training, and long-term economic stability.”  

Edmonds Food Bank and Community Engagement Space 

“Representative Rick Larsen has been a steadfast advocate for the Edmonds Food Bank and our Thrive Together campaign to build a new food bank,” said Casey Davis, Executive Director of the Edmonds Food Bank. “His tenacious commitment to keeping neighbors facing food insecurity at the forefront of his human services work, especially in these uniquely challenging times, continues to inspire our team. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Rick Larsen for championing our request for critical federal funding that will empower us to respectfully serve our customers well into the future.” 

Port of Edmonds North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction Project 

“The Port of Edmonds is deeply grateful to Representative Rick Larsen for securing community project funding to advance essential seawall improvements for the Portwalk project,” said Janelle Cass, Port of Edmonds Commission President. “This investment reinforces critical waterfront infrastructure that protects the environment, supports reliable rail service, improves public access, and strengthens economic vitality for Edmonds.” 

Snohomish County Intermodal Yard 

“The Snohomish County Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements Project in Everett is crucial for maintaining the county’s transportation network. This project will help to improve safety, reliability and economic vitality for both freight and passenger rail service by eliminating key choke points in the rail line network,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “It will also improve the solid waste infrastructure as all refuse in the county is transported by rail to a regional landfill. We want to thank Congressman Larsen and his office for their work in getting this legislation passed for the people of Snohomish County.”  

Larsen Secures $75 million for Northwest Washington since 2022 

In January, Rep. Larsen secured $1.6 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies spending bill for projects in Whatcom County. He secured $1,031,000 for Western Washington University’s (WWU) Shannon Point Marine Center Research Vessel and $600,000 for Whatcom County Sheriff Office’s Portable Radio Replacement Project. 

Last November, Rep. Larsen secured $2.1 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture spending bill for three local projects in Island and San Juan counties. Since 2022, Larsen has secured more than $75 million for 55 projects in Northwest Washington state through annual spending bills. 
 
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