The House of Representatives has approved House Bill 1954 and House Bill 1955, which would fund $10.3 billion in transportation projects and programs while creating as many as 100,000 jobs across the state.
“From the child going to school each day to the farmer whose crops travel through our ports to markets abroad, the Connecting Washington package is about the infrastructure and jobs that will move Washington forward,” said Transportation Chair Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island).
The package includes over $1 billion in maintenance and preservation as well as funding for high-priority infrastructure projects like the SR 167/509 Puget Sound Gateway and the Columbia River Crossing. It also provide funding for local governments, public transit, and bicycle and pedestrian safety programs such as Safe Routes to Schools.
“This package is about building safer streets, more transportation choices, a stronger economy, and a better future for our state,” said Rep. Marko Liias (D-Mukilteo). “Today legislators from both parties said enough to the gridlock in Olympia and started focusing on the gridlock around our state.”
Beyond improving the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of Washington’s transportation system, the revenue package will provide a much needed economic boost to businesses and families across the state.
“These investments will help farmers, manufacturers and other businesses all across eastern Washington succeed by helping quickly and reliably get products to market,” said Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane). “Projects like the North Spokane Corridor are critical to strengthening our regional economy.”
“The improvements are a much-needed step towards reducing gridlock for commuters from Auburn to Tacoma to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Our businesses that depend on a strong freight system and international competitive ports will no longer see their livelihood tied up in traffic,” added Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma).
The bills now goes to the Senate for consideration.