Roach Helps Rainier School during 2012 Session

PRESS RELEASE
Roach secures $3,000,000 for Rainier School improvements, plus study funding

OLYMPIA…As the result of a years long effort by Senator Pam Roach, (R) rural Auburn, $3,000,000 has been secured for capital improvements at Rainier School in Buckley. The money will be used to improve living quarters and supporting facilities.

Through Roach's efforts money was also included to fund a study with the end result to be a vision statement presented to the legislature and the Department of Social and Health Services.

Roach has held several community meetings and developed a common vision statement for Rainier School. “We needed to make the effort larger,” said Roach. “We need to involve the entire state in creating a long-term vision for Rainier School and our region.”

The new study committee consists of several stakeholders:

· The three legislators representing the 31st district;

· Two persons representing the cities of Enumclaw and Buckley;

· Two persons representing the chambers of commerce of Enumclaw and Buckley;

· Two persons representing the “Friends of Rainier School” organization; and

· One person representing the Pierce county developmental disabilities board.

The new law requires the committee to “create and submit to the legislature a long-range community vision and development plan for the efficient use of the Rainier School facility to best serve the needs of persons with developmental disabilities, including the establishment of a respite care center for families and other caregivers of persons with developmental disabilities.”

One of those greatly encouraged by this development is Bob Gee, the father of long-time Rainier resident Angela. Referring to the study Gee said “Finally we may be in position to use state assets like Rainier School to reach out to those living in family or other settings in dire need of long-absent critical services.”