Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, has been named a recipient of the Infrastructure Champion Award by the Washington State Public Works Board, recognizing his legislative leadership and commitment to improving infrastructure across Washington state. The award highlights Abbarno’s pivotal role in shaping infrastructure policy as assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee, where he has helped budget, secure, and distribute critical infrastructure funding for projects throughout the state.
Abbarno’s leadership includes prime sponsorship of House Bill 1064, which was signed into law earlier this year to permanently extend the state’s infrastructure coordination group known as SYNC (System Improvement Team). This multi-agency partnership works to streamline state investments, align funding across departments, and ensure rural and underserved communities can access the resources they need.
“Investing in public infrastructure is not just about roads and pipes—it’s about people, opportunity, and the future of our communities,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “This award is a reflection of the strong partnerships we’ve built with local governments and the Public Works Board to ensure every dollar we spend is strategic, sustainable, and community-focused.”
The Public Works Board, housed within the Washington State Department of Commerce, is a nationally recognized model for supporting local governments in financing critical infrastructure projects—including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, roads, bridges, and broadband. Since its creation in 1985, the Board has awarded nearly $3.5 billion in funding for over 2,200 infrastructure projects across every county in Washington.
Abbarno works closely with the Board and local communities, not only to secure funding through the Capital Budget but also to ensure alignment between state agencies and local priorities.
“Infrastructure projects are more than just line items in a budget—they are the foundation of healthy, thriving communities,” Abbarno added. “SYNC brings agencies to the same table, aligns funding streams, and helps communities—especially small and rural ones—navigate the complex process of securing support for the projects they need most. Making this collaboration permanent was the right move for Washington.”
In addition to his legislative work on House Bill 1064, Abbarno also led efforts to honor the Public Works Board through House Resolution 4608, adopted unanimously by the House earlier this session, which commemorates the Board’s 40 years of service and its impact on Washington’s public health, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure affordability.
This year, Abbarno also passed House Bill 1656 to allow securitization of infrastructure following natural disasters, House Bill 1039 to increase infrastructure coordination between local and tribal governments, and helped secure over $15 million in the Capital Budget for infrastructure improvements throughout SW Washington.
“Infrastructure is the cornerstone in helping cities and counties create jobs, secure needed housing, and improve the health of our communities, Abbarno concluded. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside local communities and the Public Works Board to support our shared mission both through policy and budget advocacy.”
