PULLMAN, WA — The federal fiscal year 2026 budget signed into law includes nearly $55 million in direct investment for Washington State University, marking one of the largest single-year funding commitments the university has received from Congress.

According to the university, the funding will support research, workforce development, and infrastructure projects across multiple campuses, including Pullman, Spokane, and the Puyallup Research & Extension Center. University officials credited bipartisan backing from Washington’s congressional delegation for securing the investments.

The largest allocation includes $50 million to launch a statewide Program for Aquatic Excellence, aimed at improving salmon health, advancing sustainable aquaculture, and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Additional funding includes $2 million to modernize WSU’s National Semiconductor Crystal Growth Center, $1 million to support a new USDA-ARS Plant Biosciences Building in Pullman, and nearly $915,000 to expand health care workforce training programs in Spokane.

University leaders said the investments are intended to strengthen Washington’s research capacity, support workforce needs, and benefit communities statewide.