WA House Approves $16B Transportation Package, Scraps New Gas Tax

OLYMPIA, WA — House lawmakers approved an ambitious transportation package this week, which allots $16 billion over 16 years for a slate of local infrastructure projects, including freeway expansions, new transit investments, and funding for safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

Funding for the "Move Ahead Washington" package comes from several sources, including a $2 billion transfer from the state's general budget and increases to certain administrative fees. Absent from the approved version of the legislation is a proposed export gas tax, which would have levied a 6-cent-per-gallon tax on fuel sold to neighboring states that have lower gas taxes than Washington's.

The tax was estimated to raise $2 billion over 16 years, but the proposal received significant blowback from governors in Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. While the governor and Democratic leaders initially stood firm on the tax, House Democrats reversed course last weekend and amended the legislation to remove the tax.

"We heard from our Pacific Northwest neighbors and from the people of Washington that this part of the package wasn't going to work," said Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma), who chairs the House Transportation Committee. "It came through loud and clear that the best path to move ahead together included a reasonable, workable alternative that takes the pressure off workers and other states. I'm grateful for all the feedback we received that has shaped this decision and helped strengthen Move Ahead WA."

The transportation package includes $4 billion to complete state and local road projects, including widening projects planned along portions of State Route 18 and Interstate 90 and HOV improvements along Interstate 5 near JBLM. Transit investments include funding to electrify more ferries and buses, and more than $300 million is earmarked to expand pedestrian and bicycle safety along several major roadways.

More information on the "Move Ahead Washington" package is available on the House Democrats website.