Joint Statement Regarding the Regional Transportation Investment District

For Immediate Release: March 7, 2006

Governor Chris Gregoire, Senator Bill Finkbeiner, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Representative Ed Murray, Representative Fred Jarrett:

�Together we worked hard to come to a reasonable compromise with regard to the Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID). It is time the region moved forward to finish its part of the road and transit improvements in the three counties. We think a transportation package must recognize the interconnectedness of roads and transit.

�This agreement puts a focus on accountability, transparency and predictability. The accountability portion of this agreement requires a vote of the people in 2007. The transparency portion requires the �mega-projects� to have financial and implementation plans in place prior to a vote and the predictability portion provides a time-certain for the region to act.

�The state has done its work. It is time for the region, with input from citizens, to move forward on these important projects in the three counties.

�In the city of Seattle, this agreement requires the city to have an advisory vote of its citizens on the preferred alternative for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.�



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