OLYMPIA—The new transportation budget includes $15.6 billion in projects and improvements to the state’s network of highways, ferries, trains, buses, and other alternatives.
“In a difficult budget year, we stuck with what was most important—preservation and safety,” said Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles). “I was proud to support this bipartisan plan that I think will keep our state and region moving forward.”
The two-year budget passed with strong bipartisan support.
“Transportation is vital to keep our communities connected,” said Rep. Adam Bernbaum, Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee. “We started with a massive deficit and wrote this budget with fiscal discipline in mind. We cut everywhere we could without compromising our values. The final budget is balanced and does not reduce funding for basic safety, our State Patrol, or maintenance and preservation. It also keeps Climate Commitment Account funds dedicated to policies that address climate change.”
There is $20.622 million in projects entirely in the 24th District. Highlights include:
- SR 117 Truck Route at US 101 interchange improvements, $3.125 million
- SR 109 bypass at Quinault, $1.31 million
- Makah Passage project, $7.825 million
There’s also funding for projects shared between the 24th and nearby districts, including $72 million for the US 12 Highway-Rail Separation in Aberdeen (total cost over six years) and $6 million for Grays Harbor Transit HQ ROW permitting and final design.
“I want to thank all the community leaders who fought for local projects,” said Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend). “It can take years to plan a single project and secure the funding. We couldn’t have done it without your hard work and advocacy.”
For more information about the transportation budget, operating budget, or capital budget, visit https://fiscal.wa.gov/