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Anderson votes against a 'do
nothing' transportation budget
Commuters on the Eastside
should get comfortable being stuck in traffic. Today, the House passed its
supplemental transportation budget, which lacks vision,
political will and does nothing to get people moving says one Eastside
lawmaker.
Rep. Glenn Anderson,
R-Fall City, was "utterly disappointed" with the budget that
passed the House today 66 to 25.
"This is a
kick-the-problem down the road budget," says Anderson. "It is unacceptable
that we imposed the largest gas tax in state history and promised change years ago and still
have not delivered."
Anderson's main point of
contention is the State Route 520 Bridge will not
be complete until 2018. He also believes that pre-tolling will not go
over well with residents from his district.
Under the budget proposal,
the state would count on receiving $84.5 million from the federal
government to start pre-tolling in 2009. Anderson does not believe that
is a valid reason to impose a pre-toll on Eastside residents.
"Tolling a sinking bridge
does not make sense on any level," says Anderson. "The Legislature needs
to offer a solution that reflects the urgency of this situation.
Pre-tolling and finishing the bridge in 2018 just does not cut it."
An amendment was
introduced by Rep. Jay Rodne, R-North Bend, that would have removed the
ability of the state to pre-toll on the 520 Bridge. Anderson spoke in
support of the amendment but it failed 34 to 57.
Anderson offered his own
amendment to get money flowing to the project sooner but it was not
adopted. It would have directed the governor to make a final design
decision on the central waterfront section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct by
May 1, 2008. If that decision was not made, the $1.5 billion dedicated
to Viaduct would be redirected to the 520 Bridge.
"We started looking at
fixing the Viaduct seven years ago and the governor still has no clear
plan," says Anderson. "Transportation is being held hostage by Olympia's
indecision and my amendment would have forced the Legislature and
governor off the fence that they have been sitting on for years."
Anderson also believes the
state needs to reopen the operating budget and allocate general fund
dollars to get the project complete by 2013. With the recent revenue
forecast and the effects of a national economic slowdown starting to
ripple in Washington, Anderson recognizes the state must be fiscally
responsible this year, but he notes the state budget has increased
33 percent - more than $8 billion - since 2004.
"Governing is about
priorities and keeping promises," he adds. "The state budget has
ballooned in recent years, but we still have done nothing on the 520
Bridge. My priority is to get people to work safely and efficiently.
This will help the economy, but more importantly it will allow 5th
District residents more time with their families."
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For more information, contact:
Mike Deising, Public
Information Officer - (360) 786-7698
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