Statement from Governor Gregoire on Roads-Transit Plan

For Immediate Release: November 7, 2007

�This was a tough vote. Local voters were asked to make a significant contribution to solving safety and congestion and I respect the decision of the voters in the Puget Sound area,� said Governor Gregoire. �Congestion and safety remain a very real problem. I will continue to fight to solve our transportation problems. Safety must be our number one priority and the 520 bridge, a critical link in our transportation system, is one of the top regional safety issues. It is vulnerable to earthquakes and winds and it must be replaced.

�We have about a $2 billion shortfall that needs to be solved. I have directed OFM and WSDOT to work with both public and private entities to develop a full finance plan for the 520.�

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