The state Senate capital construction budget proposal released this week includes $325,000 for further development of a performing arts center in Federal Way.

“In these tough times, there is much less for construction projects, so the performing arts center being included in the proposal really means something. This is a priority,” said Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way.

In 2008, the state dedicated $500,000 for construction of the center. Federal Way, the state’s seventh-largest city, has no  performance or gathering space larger than about 250 seats. The Federal Way Coalition of Performing Arts, the group charged with development and construction planning, calls for a center with a 700-seat capacity.

“This is a great example of a public/private partnership,” Eide said. “These things work.”

Eide, the majority floor leader, is a member of the Senate Democrats’ leadership.

The Senate’s state construction budget proposal now moves into budget negotiations with House budget writers.