Drought Response:  ESHB 1622 sponsored by Rep. Brian Blake (D-19) and requested by the state Department of Ecology allows the state agency to issue a drought advisory along with recommended voluntary actions to mitigate a potential drought. Certain industries and communities would receive priority for emergency water withdrawals.

When the 60-day legislative session concluded Thursday night, the supplemental capital budget included money for a number of local projects, including $250,000 for a Longview satellite police station in the Highlands and about $250,000 for Community House on Broadway to purchase a new building and upgrade its kitchen. It also allocated about $55,000 for lead … READ MORE

Rep. Brian Blake, an Aberdeen Democrat, said he wants to fully fund the Department of Fish and Wildlife and provide support for increasing fish hatchery production on the Columbia River and the coast. “Things are looking fairly good at the moment,” Blake said Wednesday.