Today, Gov. Chris Gregoire outlined a proposal to raise $3.6 billion over 10 years to address unmet transportation needs. Below is a statement on the governor’s initiative by Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) who chairs the House Transportation Committee.
The governor’s emphasis on transportation and the proposal she outlined today sets us on a course that is responsible and necessary. Her proposals provide an important down payment on the long-term transportation investments Washington needs to fuel job growth and a strong 21st century economy.
I applaud the governor’s emphasis on providing urgent support to preserve ferry, transit, rail and state patrol services, and I believe all transportation leaders will agree with her call to prevent city and county roads –as well as state highways—from crumbling due to a lack of investment.
The proposals announced today will not by themselves meet all of our future transportation needs. But they are a good beginning.
Washington has benefited greatly in recent years from close bipartisan cooperation on transportation issues. We will need to continue this cooperation as we look for ways to fund and build a transportation system that provides a solid foundation for future jobs and prosperity throughout Washington.