Washington governor comments on proposed state transportation package

Washington Governor Jay Inslee thanked state Senate Transportation Committee leaders Feb. 12 for their work on a proposed $15 billion statewide transportation revenue package.

The package includes $8 billion in new construction that would be funded with an 11.7-cent gas tax to be implemented in stages over three years, fee increases a percentage of the Environment Legacy Stewardship Account. A proposed project list includes six “mega” projects and 58 regional projects throughout the state.

“I want to thank Senate negotiators for their hard work and leadership on transportation. I've been advocating for a transportation package since my first day in office and I welcome this development," Inslee said.

Inslee said he has some questions regarding some of the conditions attached the proposal. One concern in particular is the Senate’s plan to adopt low carbon fuel standards, which would cause a loss in transit funding.

“As I’ve been saying, we must make progress on funding transportation and reducing carbon emissions this session. I look forward to working with both Democrats and Republicans on those priorities, Inslee said. "We need to see how much support the bill has in the Senate, and then we can all work on the next phase of negotiations. I remain optimistic that we can work together and get a package across the finish line this session.”