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Statements from Reps. Barbara
Bailey and Norma Smith on the House Republican transportation plan
New plan would dedicate $6 billion to
transportation projects statewide without raising taxes
Rep.
Barbara Bailey
“Our comprehensive
transportation plan offers real solutions and represents a new way of
thinking toward one of the most critical issues facing our state. We are
proposing real change – which is in stark contrast to the current
approach. ‘Business as usual’ in Olympia has led to ferry failures,
traffic congestion and other unkept promises.
People deserve more.”
Rep.
Norma Smith
“At a time when Washington
is lacking leadership on the largest transportation projects of our day,
I'm pleased to see an innovative transportation plan is being put
forward for citizens to consider.
Our plan
prioritizes existing dollars to address congestion and the most pressing
transportation needs of our time. It's great to see a vision that
outlines what Washington's transportation finance structure 'could be'
and one that begins the process of rebuilding public trust. Our citizens
want change and are looking for bold ideas that move us forward, and I
think this plan fits the bill.”
The
House Republican plan includes the following funding sources:
-
utilizing private
sector innovation through Transportation Improvement Zone financing
for an Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel ($1.5 billion);
-
10 percent of sales
and use tax on new and used automobiles and auto parts ($1.3
billion);
-
sales and use tax on
transportation projects ($565 million);
-
savings from
completing the 520 Bridge by 2013 ($600 million); and
-
tolls on the new 520
Bridge and Columbia River Crossing only after they are completed ($2
billion).
The
approach would dedicate more than $6 billion to transportation projects
statewide:
520 Bridge with
original pontoon design ($1.8 billion)
The funding, combined with
the nearly $2 billion of existing funding already committed to the
project, would design and construct pontoons to support up to eight
lanes to serve future needs of the region. The plan would also include
tolls only on the new structure.
North-Spokane
corridor ($1 billion)
The funding would provide
more state support for this critical freight corridor and also provide
congestion relief to the Spokane region.
Columbia River
Crossing ($1 billion)
The funding, backed by
tolls, would help replace a vital link between Oregon and Washington and
reduce congestion for the I-5 corridor in Vancouver.
Highway 2 ($500
million)
Safety and congestion
relief improvements. The U.S. 2 Route Development Plan identified 56
projects at a cost of $1.8 billion to improve safety and reduce traffic
on the U.S. 2 corridor. The plan provides $500 million of funding for
high-priority safety and congestion relief projects.
I-405 ($500 million)
Congestion relief
projects. The I-405 corridor is one of the most congested highways in
the state. The plan provides money for congestion reduction projects at
major chokepoints on the corridor.
State Route 9 ($300
million)
Safety and congestion
relief improvements. The S.R. 9 corridor was a high priority for
Snohomish County in the Prop. 1 package that failed in November. This
corridor has experienced rapid growth and is in need of safety
improvements and widening to accommodate additional traffic. The plan
provides funding for additional lanes and safety improvements along S.R.
9.
I-5/State Route 704
Cross-Base Highway ($250 million)
The south Pierce County
area has experienced tremendous growth. The Cross-Base Highway would
provide another east-west link that would reduce traffic on I-5 and
connect with Frederickson manufacturing facilities.
State Route 167
($250 million)
Additional lanes. The S.R.
167 corridor is an important freight and commuter link for Pierce and
King counties. This highway experiences heavy traffic and is in need of
widening. The plan provides funding to construct additional lane
capacity on S.R. 167 at major chokepoints in the corridor.
Other statewide
transportation needs -
projects dedicated to safety
and congestion relief improvements, and critical ferry needs ($469 million)
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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