“I was pleased to join a bipartisan majority in both chambers in passing a transportation budget that funds ongoing work on transportation infrastructure across Washington State. Continuing the construction of projects like the SR 520 Bridge, North Spokane Corridor, and Columbia River Crossing is key to ensuring that goods and people can move freely across our state.

In addition to improving our transportation system, this budget eliminates shortfalls for two years at the Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferry System. It also provides additional money for bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as public transit, which is critical to preserving transportation choices for all residents of our state.

Despite these victories, there is a limit to the amount of success we can achieve with declining funds. This budget keeps our current promises to transportation programs and projects, but the next budget will be less kind without some type of additional revenue. Going forward we need to seek proactive, bipartisan solutions to ensure that we have a modern transportation system that supports our businesses and commuters.”