Editorial: Transportation plan can move Washington ahead
Infrastructure Week has come to Washington state, largely with broad-based support from business and environmental groups, but with a few grumbles.
Following Congress’ successful adoption in November of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, state Democratic lawmakers last week released the state’s 16-year, $16.8 billion companion to the federal $1 trillion package.
Notable for Snohomish County residents and workers, the Move Ahead Washington package — which after public hearings last week, continues its path through the Legislature with about half of the 60-day session remaining — includes long-sought funding and support for a range of road, transit and other needs.
Among the line-items are $210 million for design and engineering work for replacement of the U.S. 2 trestle; $46 million to replace the Highway 525 bridge in Mukilteo; $31 million for the interchange of I-5 and Highway 529 near Marysville; $30 million for Community Transit to expand the Swift bus rapid transit system with three new lines; $47.5 million for Highway 99 projects in Lynnwood and Everett; $20 million toward a Link light rail station at 164th Street SW and the I-5 interchange; and $12.9 million for a pedestrian bridge over Broadway, connecting Everett Community College’s main campus with its new library and the Washington State University-Everett building.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-transportation-plan-can-move-washington-ahead/
