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Ericksen’s bill seeking new
transit technology for state
passes out of House
Moving people and goods
quicker and more efficiently with magnetic levitation technology is one
step closer to reality in Washington.
House Joint Memorial 4003,
sponsored by Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, passed out of the
Washington State House of Representatives today on a 97-0 vote. Ericksen
worked directly with Democrat Majority Leader Rep. Lynn Kessler,
D-Hoquiam, on the bill.
“These are exciting times.
We have an opportunity to make a 21st century vision of a more efficient
transportation system a reality because of today’s technology,” said
Ericksen. “The super-speed ‘maglev’ system has no wheels, axles or
transmissions – it doesn't roll, it hovers. Instead of wheels and rails,
the system uses non-contact electromagnetic levitation. It’s clean,
amazing technology.”
HJM 4003 asks the U.S. Department of Transportation to consider
Washington as a candidate for federal funding for the implementation of
magnetic levitation projects.
“This isn’t just some
distant idea. This mode of transportation is already being used in
China,” said Ericksen. “If we implement a system in Washington we could
increase freight mobility by allowing goods to bypass congested
roadways. We could also increase the reliability of mass transit since
magnetic levitation is not affected by weather.”
Ericksen said designing
and implementing a new system would also help to create jobs, reduce
congestion, and improve Washington’s economy.
“Washington is full of people with innovative spirit and vision. We’ve
led the world in advancing the aerospace and computer industries,” said
Ericksen. “Let’s show the world how we can solve our transportation
crisis with innovative solutions.”
Ericksen also worked with
Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, D-Seattle, on House Bill 1429, which authorizes
personal rapid transit and magnetic levitation transit systems. This
measure also passed on a 97-0 vote today in the Washington State House
of Representatives.
The legislative session
began on January 10 and scheduled to run 105 days.
For more information on magnetic levitation technology: http://www.transrapid.de/en/index.html.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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