washington business
Building Washington: Report Outlines Infrastructure Needs
Employers, cities, counties and ports joined forces to commission a report released in March that outlines more than $ 190 billion in infrastructure upgrades Washington state needs, should Congress follow through on an oft-discussed infrastructure investment.
Bobbi Cussins
Increased jobs and a boost to the economy. That’ s what a major federal infrastructure investment plan would generate for Washington state should Congress take action, according to a detailed report commissioned by the Association of Washington Business, the Association of Washington Cities, Washington State Association of Counties and the Washington Public Ports Association earlier this year.
Washington is well-positioned to leverage future federal infrastructure investments, thanks to a comprehensive report unveiled March 20.
The“ Building the Economy: Infrastructure Needs in Washington” report highlights both the needs facing the state’ s infrastructure, as well as the benefits to the economy that would come from making smart investments in roads, bridges, ports, energy, and other areas.
The Association of Washington Business( AWB), the Association of Washington Cities( AWC), the Washington State Association of Counties( WSAC), and the Washington Public Ports Association( WPPA) commissioned the report. Key findings include:
• Washington is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies and moves more than $ 700 billion worth of goods through its ports each year.
• Washington contributes well over $ 300 billion to the United States economy, making the state a critical player in the nation’ s success.
• Funding to meet Washington’ s infrastructure needs would create an estimated 600,000-660,000 direct and indirect jobs.
• To keep the state and nation working well, there are definite infrastructure needs— totaling more than $ 190 billion in Washington state alone. With congressional and presidential leaders from both parties signaling a willingness to pass legislation that invests in infrastructure projects, the comprehensive report sends the early signal that Washington state is ready to act should Congress move on an investment plan.
“ The fact is, people are moving to Washington state and we are poised for that growth.”
— Eric Johnson, executive director, Washington State Association of Counties
“ We are anticipating a renewed commitment to infrastructure and this report lays the groundwork to position our state to take advantage of opportunities that arise,” said AWB President Kris Johnson.“ This is an unprecedented partnership between our four organizations and it occurred because we recognize what’ s at stake. Investing in Washington’ s infrastructure will provide jobs and lead to a healthier economy throughout the state.”
infrastructure needs: not just roads, bridges
From high-speed Internet to safe drinking water, structurallydeficient bridges to clogged highways, the needs are real.
The 20-page analysis points to billions of dollars of potential and necessary infrastructure investments. Aside from the combined $ 138.2 billion needed for bridge, highway and local road repairs and upgrades, the report outlined these basic needs:
• Drinking water, storage and agriculture;
• Marine port upgrades;
• Wastewater treatment and conveyance;
• Stormwater and natural resource management;
• Support and protect fish habitat;
• Airports and aviation upgrades;
• Freight rail maintenance and repair;
• Communications needs to supply broadband to rural regions; and,
• Upgrades to the electrical transmission network and improvements to electric vehicle charging stations. Much like Washington’ s landmark 2015 $ 16 billion, 16-year transportation funding package supported by AWB and others and passed by the Legislature, the coalition believes any federal plan must also be sustained over time.
26 association of washington business