Summary

Executive Constantine testified in Olympia on the state transportation bill that will also fund completion of projects such as SR 520, SR 509, and SR 405, as well as preserve King County's deteriorating roads and bridges.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine testified in Olympia this afternoon to the House Transportation Committee on the state transportation bill approved by the Senate:

“Many of the investments in state highways are important to King County, including the completion of such unfinished projects as SR 520, SR 509, and SR 405, preservation and maintenance of deteriorating roads and bridges, investments in cities and counties, and funding for transportation options.

“I am particularly pleased that this proposal includes authority for people of the Central Puget Sound region to vote to expand light rail. There is tremendous public demand and support for rail to Tacoma, Everett, Redmond, and major population centers in Seattle. But it will take $15 billion to get there - not the $11.2 billion included in the Senate bill.

“I remain opposed to provisions that would weaken our ability to adopt carbon limits on par with British Columbia, Oregon and California, and that would redirect local sales tax revenue.

“It is critical that negotiations continue between the House, Senate and the Governor’s office, to produce a balanced transportation package that keeps King County and Washington moving.”