Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Legislature�s transportation project list recommendations

For Immediate Release: February 24, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire issued the following statement today on the Legislature�s announcement of its recommendations for the state transportation project list:

�First, let me recognize the incredibly hard work by the two transportation chairs and the transportation committees. These funding decisions are complicated and difficult, especially with substantial transportation needs throughout the state.

�I had requested funding for the Mercer Street and Spokane Street projects, and I will continue to work with the chairs to get something included in the Legislature�s final recommendations. Despite the lack of designated funding for these two projects, the bored tunnel remains the best Viaduct replacement option and the project list released today does not impede progress on this option.

�We need to work together and move forward this year with key projects of statewide significance, from Seattle to Spokane, to keep people and goods moving and put people to work.�