Declares an intent to develop and fund the construction and operation of life science learning centers in strategic communities in Washington state. These centers, like current education skill centers, must be community-based and demonstrate multiple local partnerships, including local public school districts and community colleges, to assure community connectedness. These centers must also offer geographic and natural resource uniqueness to assure that the physical locations of these centers foster educational opportunities and stimulation. It is also necessary to provide an articulated education program at life science learning centers that will include the educational interaction between students of all ages with each other and with established life science professionals to assure the transfer of knowledge, the encouragement of younger people to enter life sciences fields, as well as networking and mentoring. Special consideration should be given to communities that also have a four-year public institution of higher education that has an emphasis on life sciences, natural sciences, or both.

Declares that life science learning centers should receive unique and enriched capital and operational funds.

Appropriates the sum of thirteen million two hundred ninety thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the state building construction account to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the construction of the Columbia Springs environmental education center located in Vancouver, Washington.

Appropriates the sum of eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for operational expenses of the Columbia Springs environmental education center located in Vancouver, Washington. It is the intent of the legislature that enhanced operational funding will be made available upon completion of the project.