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Transportation package does
little for Whatcom County
A transportation package
that would primarily address Seattle’s expensive transportation problems
passed the Washington State House of Representatives today on a 54-43
vote.
This was the second vote
on the bill in as many days. The measure failed to pass on a 43-55 vote
Saturday. In a rare political maneuver by Democrats, the measure was put
on hold for further consideration.
Many observers felt the
initial failed vote was a straw poll for Democrats to determine how many
representatives may be needed for a second vote on the politically
contentious issue.
Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, voted against the measure twice saying
it shouldn’t be the responsibility of Whatcom County to pay for
Seattle’s problems.
“This transportation
package does very little for the needs of Whatcom County, which made it
easy for me to vote against it … twice,” said Ericksen. “This ‘Space
Needle’ budget is good for the big city at the expense of the rest of
the state.”
The transportation package
relies on a 9.5-cent gas tax increase phased in over four years, and
also includes increased vehicle weight fees, annual motor home fees, and
vehicle and driver services fees. The expected total revenue is around
$8 billion.
“I believe that this is the wrong idea, with the wrong focus, at the
wrong time,” said Ericksen. “This legislative session has been about one
thing – raising taxes.”
The main projects
benefiting from the transportation package include the Alaskan Way
Viaduct ($2 billion), the SR 520 floating bridge ($500 million),
I-90/Snoqualmie Pass ($435 million), and I-405 ($992 million).
“Democrats control the
House, Senate and governor’s mansion. When they are in total command of
the process, this is what happens,” said Ericksen. “We are seeing only
the needs of the central Puget Sound area addressed, while rural
Washington is stuck with part of the tab. This is not the ‘one
Washington’ we’ve heard so much about.”
The transportation package
now goes to the governor where it is expected to be signed.
The 105-day legislative session began on January 10 and concluded today.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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