issue area reports | infrastructure
Infrastructure
Michael Ennis : Infrastructure , Land Use , Telecom , Rural Vitality
During the short 60-day session , the Legislature adopted the fourth statewide revenue package in the last two decades . Move Ahead Washington allocates about $ 17 billion over the next 16 years to both highway and non-highway infrastructure . As with most omnibus spending packages , the proposal included a mix of positive moves and created some challenges .
On the positive side , the package funds $ 1 billion for the I-5 crossing in Vancouver , backfills recent revenue losses in Connecting Washington projects , allocates $ 3 billion to maintenance and preservation , fully funds Washington ’ s obligation to replace fish passage barriers as mandated by the court , and funds four new ferry vessels .
And in an unprecedented move , legislators shifted about $ 3 billion from the general fund operating budget to fund a portion of the package .
AWB ’ s Mike Ennis discussing housing and infrastructure with employers in Spokane .
Unfortunately , the proposal and final agreement was shaped by the majority party only and excluded Republicans from the negotiations . This partisan approach led to unnecessary controversy and some missed opportunities .
Sen . Marko Liias , Democrat Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee , proposed a fuel export tax , which drew a flurry of strong opposition from stakeholders in the business community and neighboring states . In an editorial in The Seattle Times , Gov . Kate Brown of Oregon went so far as to call on Washington lawmakers to “ put this bad idea back on the shelf .”
Fearing legal challenges and the likelihood of eroding the ongoing conversations with Oregon officials on replacing the I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver , the fuel export tax was rejected by House leaders and removed from the proposal .
The final measure however , raised about $ 2.4 billion in new transportation-related fees and swept $ 800 million from the Public Works Trust Fund , all despite an extraordinary revenue surplus of $ 15 billion to the state . The final agreement also lacked funds for important infrastructure projects in eastern Washington .
Nevertheless , Move Ahead Washington was adopted and signed by the governor .
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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