Dear neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session has concluded, and I’m proud to share some of the meaningful progress we’ve made. Despite difficult budget decisions, we passed a forward-thinking transportation budget that invests in safety, sustainability, and economic opportunity. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I worked to ensure these investments reflect the real needs of Washingtonians—especially right here in the 27th District.
Transportation Budget Wins for the 27th District
Our 2025 transportation budget retains funding for projects, including:
- Puyallup Avenue Transit/Complete Street Improvements
- Pierce Transit High-Capacity Transit Service Expansion
- Pierce Transit SR 7 Express Service (Tacoma to Parkland/Spanaway)
- I-5 S 38th St to JBLM HOV Improvements
- I-5/Port of Tacoma Road Interchange Upgrades
- SR 167/SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway Project
- I-5 Tacoma HOV Improvements (Nickel/TPA funded)
- Tacoma Rail: Alexander Wye & Storage Track Upgrades
- Schuster Parkway Trail enhancements
- Pierce Transit – Port of Tacoma Service Support
These investments will reduce congestion, expand mobility options, and support a cleaner and more connected South Sound.
Additional Bill Highlights:
This year’s budget boosts compensation for ferry workers (SHB 1264) to ensure reliable service, and supports Pierce Transit’s expansion efforts, including SR 7 express service and new high-capacity routes. These steps help deliver more equitable and efficient public transit to our communities.
Also, I sponsored HB 1605, which creates a longevity bonus for experienced Washington State Patrol officers—helping us address recruitment and retention issues that impact safety across our highways.
Beyond those bills, I sponsored SHB 1774, which gives the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) more flexibility to lease unused highway land for community benefit—like housing, parks, public transportation, and salmon habitat restoration. Instead of letting vacant parcels sit idle, WSDOT can now consider the social, environmental, and economic value of proposed projects when negotiating lease terms with nonprofits, local governments, or tribal partners.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Funding & Stakeholder Engagement
While this budget moves us forward, the work isn’t done. In the months ahead, I’ll continue meeting with stakeholders, transportation leaders, and residents.
One key challenge is the decline of gas tax revenues as more drivers switch to electric and hybrid vehicles. To prepare for the future, we’re beginning the conversation around a Highway Usage Fee—a fair, sustainable funding solution that ensures everyone contributes to maintaining our infrastructure.
As always, it’s an honor to serve you. Please reach out with your ideas or questions—I value your voice as we shape the next chapter of Washington’s transportation future.
In service,
Rep. Jake Fey
Chair, House Transportation Committee
27th Legislative District