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Legislature details $341 million in state transportation projects from federal stimulus

State and local investments together to generate 6,500 jobs, activating the economy and enhancing infrastructure

February 24, 2009

OLYMPIA – A $341 million transportation proposal unveiled today would create 3,300 jobs across the state, putting people to work and improving Washington state’s transportation infrastructure. At the request of Gov. Chris Gregoire, House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) introduced legislation to appropriate Washington’s share of the federal economic recovery funds approved by the president last week.

“These transportation investments are just what our state needs to keep people moving and working,” Clibborn said. “Thanks to the Governor’s leadership on gas-tax projects in recent years, the upcoming transportation construction season was set already to be the busiest of all time. With these new federal dollars, it will be truly enormous.”

Washington is receiving $671 million in total transportation funds from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), expected to generate 6,500 jobs across the state. Of the $492 million in highway funds, $151 million will go directly to local jurisdictions, and $341 million will be appropriated by the state. Local jurisdictions are also set to receive $179 million directly for transit projects.

“This transportation package will accelerate key projects that will put Washingtonians to work. I want to commend Rep. Clibborn, Rep. Liias, Sen. Haugen and Sen. Marr for their extraordinary efforts in getting this bill through committee and ready for a decision,” said Gregoire.

Not included in today’s legislation but also on the table is additional ARRA funding in the form of grant money for which states can apply. More than $11 billion in federal grants are available in project categories that include rail, ferries and highways.

“Many of the things on this list like concrete and paving projects might not sound exciting, but they don’t require a lot of permitting and they can be finished quickly,” said Senate Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-Camano Island). “These are the kinds of projects that will put people to work right away on high-value, low-cost safety improvements that will help maintain the efficiency of our transportation system.”

“We can now begin building our way out of this crisis. Our state’s success in securing these funds is a tribute to the collaborative, speedy work done by local, regional and state leaders to identify ready-to-go projects,” said Rep. Marko Liias (D-Mukilteo), vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee. “This has truly been a team effort.”

The legislation also includes a supplemental transportation budget to close out the fiscal year ending in June. It accounts for recent events, such as unforeseen costs related to increases in ferry fuel prices, controlling snow and ice, and addressing floods and slides. It also reflects capital under spending, the Governor’s hiring freeze and efficiency measures taken by the Washington State Patrol.

For more information, the proposed budget is available here.