AGC is urging the State Legislature to pass a comprehensive transportation-funding package this year.
“A bold infrastructure package will support job creation and recovery; putting folks to work, moving goods more effectively and efficiently, and ensuring mobility for our essential workers,” AGC and nearly 100 other organizations told legislators in a recent letter sent by the Keep Washington Rolling coalition. A full copy of the letter with all the signers – who include business, labor, environmental and local government groups – here.
Different proposals have been floated in Olympia. Sen. Steve Hobbs, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, has drafted a $17-billion, 16-year plan. Meanwhile, Rep. Jake Fey, chair of the House Transportation Committee, has drafted a $26-billion, 16-year plan. Neither proposal has been put into legislative language yet as negotiations continue.
“While the approaches differ, there is agreement we need new investments to address the backlog of maintenance and preservation projects across the state, fund critical projects (such as the I-5 bridge over the Columbia, the Highway 2 trestle, the 405 corridor and the West Seattle Bridge), build a greener hybrid-electric ferry fleet, increase multi-modal options to support equitable recovery and meet our legal obligation of the removal of fish passage barriers,” the coalition added. “While we appreciate that you are planning to use federal money to patch holes in the current transportation budget, there are still big problems in our transportation investments moving forward. We know that a healthy transportation system supports economic activity, jobs and quality of life for all Washingtonians. Please take action this year.”
For more information, contact AGC Chief Lobbyist Jerry VanderWood, 360.352.5000.