State Rep. Deb Eddy (D-Kirkland) secured funding in the House budget that will help thousands of Eastside children gain access to state-of-the-art health care services.

Seattle Children’s Hospital is preparing to construct a new pediatric specialty care facility in downtown Bellevue. The proposed House budget would provide $2 million towards construction of the facility, the only project in the 48th legislative district selected to receive state support.

The district includes part of Bellevue.

The House capital budget proposal must still be approved by the House and Senate.

“Children’s Hospital does what no one else can do in our region,” Eddy said. “They provide state-of-the-art care for all children, regardless of their ability to pay. The new facility in downtown Bellevue means we can bring that excellent care closer to home, and it helps fulfill a long-term vision for the city of Bellevue for a downtown medical district that can serve our Eastside communities.”

Competition for capital budget support has been fierce this year as state budget writers grapple with the economic downturn. The capital budget is separate from the state’s operating budget and is used to fund infrastructure and construction projects throughout the state.

Local community grants, which are used to fund community projects, saw a drastic reduction in this 2009-2011 budget with just under $25 million set aside for these grants compared to $220 million in the 2007-2009 budget.

Children’s Hospital plans to begin constructing a 75,000 square-foot facility this year. Seventy Eastside pediatricians who serve 60,000 to 70,000 young patients each year will soon be able to provide specialized services such as radiology, urgent care and ambulatory surgery. The hospital estimates the new Bellevue Ambulatory Center will create 275 construction jobs and support 80-100 ongoing healthcare jobs.