Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved the Connecting Washington package, which would modernize Washington’s transportation infrastructure and create as many as 100,000 jobs across the state.
House Bill 1954 and House Bill 1955 would generate $10.3 billion for critical investments in Washington’s transportation system. Those funds would be direct to projects and programs that reduce gridlock, improve safety and integrity of our roads and bridges, protect transportation choices and spur economic development.
Among the programs and projects funded by the transportation revenue package are:
- High-priority infrastructure projects, including the SR 167/509 Puget Sound Gateway, I-405 from Renton to Lynnwood, US 395 North Spokane Corridor, and the I-5 Columbia River Crossing.
- More than $1.2 billion for maintenance and preservation of our existing infrastructure
- $926 million for public transit, bicycle and pedestrian improvements
- Local funding options for public transit agencies facing service cuts
- Funding for city and county governments, the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, Washington State Ferries, Washington State Patrol
From the single-parent commuting to work every day to the farmer whose crops travel through our ports, the transportation system affects every citizen in Washington State. That’s why it’s supported by a broad and diverse coalition including business owners, construction workers, transit advocates, environmentalists and local governments. They all agree: this transportation revenue package is how we keep Washington moving.
A press release from the Association of Washington Businesses urging the Senate to pass the revenue package can be seen here: https://www.awb.org/2013-press-release/?id=205
The full details of the transportation revenue package can be viewed online here: https://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/2013/ht1315p.asp