OLYMPIA – The Legislature passed the state’s Transportation Budget on Sunday, April 28, with a bi-partisan vote of 96-2. This final budget makes major investments in transportation infrastructure in eastern and southern King County.
The final Transportation Budget allocates over $174 million to the 5th District for local transportation projects including an additional $27 million over the next four years for the initial planning and approval phase to widen State Route 18 from Hobart Rd to Raging River.
“As I have said before, we had two major priorities when we came to Olympia, get I-90, State Route 18 interchange finished as quickly as possible and secure funding to widening the last bit of State Route 18 to four lanes,” said Rep. Bill Ramos, D-Issaquah, who serves on the House Transportation Committee. “This funding is a game changer for our communities. This budget makes major investments to make our roads safer and ease traffic.”
“The people of eastern and southern King County have made their transportation priorities clear,” said Rep. Lisa Callan, D-Issaquah. “Completing the widening of Highway 18 is at the top of that list. They want less time in traffic, a safer commute, and more time with family and friends. This funding helps to make that happen.”
The Transportation Budget now heads to the governor for signature. The full budget can be found at the Washington State Fiscal Information website at fiscal.wa.gov/BudgetT.aspx.