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Transportation budget not in
best long-term interest of
Washington, Whatcom County
42nd District lawmaker: “I am hopeful we will be
able to create a transportation vision that will solve our problems,
improve our quality of life, and provide people with real transportation
options”
Deputy Republican
Leader Doug Ericksen today voted no on a final state transportation
budget, saying that it is not in the best long-term interests of
Washington or Whatcom County.
“The transportation budget passed by the Legislature today lacks a
vision for how we can build a better transportation system for the
future,” said Ericksen, R-Ferndale. “Much of this budget is
Olympia-speak and business as usual. It’s why we continue to have a
culture of failure.”
The $7.53 billion transportation budget will pay for projects around the
state, including roads, bridges, railways, ferries, and transit systems.
“The best aspect of this budget is that it funds cost overruns on
projects promised to the voters in 2003 and 2005. The Guide Meridian
project was funded in 2003, and cost overruns will be covered in this
budget,” said Ericksen, former top ranking Republican on the House
Transportation Committee. “The problem is that to cover the cost
overruns the state simply borrows more money. The Legislature has failed
to address many of the systemic problems that plague our transportation
system.”
Ericksen also believes the transportation budget compounds the
problems created by the 9.5 cent gas tax increase passed by the
Legislature in 2005.
“The 2005 gas tax increase was billed to fund several projects
statewide, but we found out just 12 months after the public election
that the Legislature had over-promised by around 31 percent. In other
words, it would take about 31 percent more money to address the projects
that were promised to voters,” said Ericksen. “The 2005 gas tax
increase also shortchanges Whatcom County. For every dollar raised in
Whatcom County from the 2005 gas tax increase, only 25 cents comes back
to our area for projects. The state’s increased bonding and borrowing
will make this problem even worse.”
The transportation budget now heads to the governor’s desk where it is
expected to be signed into law.
“I am hopeful we will be able to create a transportation vision that
will solve our problems, improve our quality of life, and provide people
with real transportation options. We aren’t there yet,” said Ericksen.
“The transportation budget passed today lacks vision and will create a
larger problem to solve in the coming years.”
The 2007 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn tomorrow, April 22.
For more information on Ericksen visit:
http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Ericksen/
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