The “Connecting Washington” transportation package, advanced by transportation leaders in the House Democratic Caucus, was rolled out today (Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013). The package would fund nearly $10 billion in transportation projects in many Washington communities. State Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver (49th Legislative District), is a member of the House Transportation Committee. Moeller offered these additional comments in supporting the Connecting Washington legislation:
“The components in this 2013 transportation package are of utmost importance for every one of our Washington communities.
“Certainly, the Columbia River Crossing project is critical for our own Southwest Washington future and economic prosperity. For our local economy, the project means more than 20,000 jobs through design and construction, and more than $230 million in wages. Fully 40 percent of the jobs in our state are trade-related. Replacing the aged, existing bridge and fixing five miles of bridge-approaches are fundamental objectives for our trade economy.
“I know of Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate who support this pivotal proposal. I’m confident we can get to an agreement. We simply have to!”