A $43 million authorization to build a new library at Windward Community College has been approved by the state House and is being considered by the Senate.

Rep. Tommy Waters told Waimanalo Neighborhood Board members that he's optimistic the funding will be included in the next two-year state budget that emerges from the state Legislature this year.

The new library is considered a top priority at the Windward campus, school officials said.

The state budget proposal also includes about $700,000 for planning and design of a new library at Kailua High School, Waters said this week.