Inslee Signs Transportation And Climate Bills

MUKILTEO, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee joined state lawmakers and transportation leaders at the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal on Friday to sign a half dozen bills, including the revenue portion of the "Move Ahead Washington" transportation package and a slate of climate-related legislation.

In his remarks, the governor praised the six bills as a major step toward rebuilding and reimagining Washington's infrastructure.

"This is another step forward in revolutionizing our transportation system and revolution our energy system in the state of Washington," Inslee said. "It is built on the sure knowledge that Washington state again is leading the nation in building a new economy, a safer, greener, more productive job creation engine, more than we ever have in the history of the state of Washington."

The nearly $17 billion transportation package will fund road and bridge projects, transit projects, ferry electrification, trail expansions and improvements for cyclists and pedestrians over the next 16 years.

During the legislative session, some environmental advocacy groups criticized the package as too lopsided in favor of highway megaprojects and moving the state further in the wrong direction on meeting its climate targets and safety goals.

"It is so essential right now to push back on the misconception that expanding highways is going to solve our congestion problems," said Grace Hope, director of 350 Washington, in early February. "The science behind this shows that it leads to more driving, more community pollution, and more greenhouse gas emissions. We need to be sure we're investing in infrastructure that safely moves freight to communities and gets all people where they need to go without having to sacrifice a healthy environment or a stable climate for future generations."

On Friday, Inslee acknowledged the substantial funding for road projects and bridge repairs but said the package was designed to meet the needs of all modes of transportation.

"While roads are necessary, and we're making big investments in them, we are now building the ability to have electric ferries and electric cars, and buses and bikes and trains, by foot, and skateboard, and scooter, and wheelchairs and walking," he said. "We're covering the roadmap for transportation options."

Other speakers included Sen. Marko Liias (D-Lynnwood), who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee and sponsored the revenue bill. He touted "Move Ahead Washington" as an example of government working to improve constituents' daily lives, without adding another burden.

"The thing I'm most proud of honestly, in this incredible volatile climate we're living in right now, is we have passed 15, 16 years worth of investments — $17 billion — without raising gas taxes on hard-working Washingtonians," Liias said. "We said from the outset, we're not going to make life worse for the people of Washington, we're going to make life better by investing in our infrastructure in a way that we can all afford."

The other bills signed Friday included legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for buildings and methane emissions from landfills.

Watch the full news conference via TVW.