Our region is poised for continued economic recovery and growth, but that growth will be threatened if we do not invest in our transportation system now. Our state highways, local roads, bridges and public transportation networks are deteriorating, undercutting an economy that depends on a transportation system that works.
State legislative leaders from both parties held meetings throughout the state this fall, seeking public input on pressing transportation problems. Thousands of concerned citizens, businesses and local elected officials attended these meetings, voicing their concerns and urging state lawmakers to preserve our existing transportation system and make the necessary investments to meet the needs of a growing state.
The same message was conveyed from all corners of the state, at meetings in Bellevue, Seattle, Everett, Bellingham, Tacoma, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Yakima, the Tri-Cities and Spokane; our economy depends on a transportation system that works, so fund transportation improvements now.
Our transportation system must provide options to move people around the region. This means reducing traffic congestion through state highway and local road improvements, funding for transit service and safe bicycle and pedestrian routes.
Major transportation projects that have been promised to the public, such as the replacement of the State Route 520 bridge, are under construction but still lack significant funding for completion. Long overdue projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and moving freight through the state remain on the drawing board due to a lack of funding. Too many of our bridges are structurally deficient and in need of repair, as we saw dramatically with the collapse of the Skagit River Bridge in Skagit County.
Closer to home, improvements along SR 520 are needed to fix clogged and congested interchanges at 148th and 124th streets and support critical job expansion and economic redevelopment in the “Bel-Red Corridor” and Overlake areas. But this redevelopment and job expansion is at risk without new revenue for highways, roads and public transportation to support this growth.
King County METRO and other transit agencies in the region have already cut bus service and additional large cuts are looming, impacting those who rely on public transportation to get to jobs, school and medical and other services. Missing or unsafe sidewalks and bicycle lanes make it challenging for bicyclists to commute to work and children to get to school safely.
Our transportation system is the lifeblood of our economy. We must make a down payment today to repair and maintain this critical infrastructure, move people and goods, grow jobs and the economy and retain the quality of life that makes our region such a special place to live.
A broad coalition of stakeholders, including business leaders, labor, environmentalists and local elected leaders have been working together and ALL agree — Action is needed now. This message, conveyed at community meetings across the state that were attended by thousands, must be heeded.
We are counting on our elected officials in Olympia to convene in a special session of the Legislature this year to adopt a Transportation Investment Package. Please join us and urge your legislator to invest in our transportation system now.
John Marchione is Redmond’s mayor and DeLee Shoemaker is senior director of State Government Affairs, Microsoft.
They are members of Move King County Now, which is a coalition of regional leaders, including business, labor, environmental, education, transit, human service, health and social justice advocates working together to save Metro and make it safer to walk, bike and drive in King County.
