|
Statement from Rep. Doug
Ericksen on the supplemental transportation budget
House Republican transportation lead: ‘This budget
offers no vision and little hope for congestion relief and the defining
projects of our day’
“This budget offers no vision and little hope for congestion relief and the
defining projects of our day. There’s a reason why almost 70 percent of
people think Olympia transportation leaders are doing a poor job
addressing congestion relief – and this budget is a great example of why
this sentiment is so strong.”
Financing shortfalls
“The level in which this
budget over-bonds on projects is alarming from a fiscal accountability
standpoint. We are bonding at 118 percent on the Nickel and
9.5 cent gas tax money, which is kicking serious problems down the road.
That means we are spending 18 percent more than we can pay for with our
gas tax. Beginning in 2014, our debt payments will drastically outweigh
gas tax revenue. It’s basically credit card spending on a mass level –
an approach we warn consumers about.
“In addition to bonding and
creative budgeting techniques, the majority party does
not want the public to know that they have overpromised with the 9.5 cent gas tax
and don’t have the money to deliver. It’s time to be honest with the
public.”
State ferry system
“This budget provides no
stable funding source for our state ferries in the future. Instead, a
$205,000 study will look for new taxes to pay for our ferries. Our
system is already in disarray and this budget sets us up for even more
challenges. We can’t continue to operate our ferries the same way and
expect better results.”
Alaskan Way Viaduct
“This budget does not
address one of the most defining projects of our day – the Alaskan
Way Viaduct. Despite one-party rule in Olympia, there’s no leadership or
vision to move forward with the most dangerous infrastructure in our
state. Another study will supposedly identify a ‘decision’ in December.”
520 Bridge
“The public needs to know
this budget does not finance or offer a viable plan for the 520 Bridge
replacement. But it does set our state up for a new undersized bridge,
congestion pricing tolls on the existing bridge that will also require
tolling of the I-90 Bridge, and no guarantee when the project will
be completed. People on both sides of the lake deserve more.”
Neglected statewide
needs
“This budget continues to
neglect other important needs statewide, including Highway 2, Spokane’s
North-South freeway, the Columbia River Crossing Bridge, and other
roadways. It’s all about King County – and little else.”
House Republican transportation plan
House Republicans unveiled
their transportation plan last week after offering ideas
and amendments throughout the legislative session. The plan would dedicate $6
billion to transportation projects and congestion relief statewide
without raising taxes by:
-
utilizing private
sector innovation through Transportation Improvement Zone financing
for an Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel;
-
directing 10 percent
of sales and use tax on new and used automobiles and auto parts to
transportation;
-
sales and use tax on
transportation projects;
-
savings from
completing the 520 Bridge by 2013; and
-
tolls on the new
520 Bridge and Columbia River Crossing only after they are completed.
“The entrenched
bureaucracy in Olympia will do all it can to resist change – no matter
how important it is for our transportation infrastructure. Our plan
represents a mindset shift from ‘what is’ to ‘what could be.’ And it
offers real change. It was deemed dead on arrival by the majority party,
but we look forward to taking our ideas to the people.”
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|