News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 25, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke says it’s time to get moving on state’s infrastructure needs

NEWCASTLE – Gov. Gary Locke today told members of the Associated General Contractors that it’s time to get moving on his $8.5 billion transportation plan and the state’s $880 million capital improvement program for the 2001-03 Biennium.

“Washington moves $86 billion in foreign and domestic exports per year,” the governor said at today’s AGC annual meeting. “Truck freight moves about $150 billion worth of goods per year. We must start now to show business that we mean business in dealing with our transportation problems.”

“Now is the time to ensure that our business climate is healthy for all Washington businesses and that we are vigorously competitive in a world that will increasingly look to strong regions to establish commerce,” Locke added.

“Other states are investing in transportation,” Locke told the AGC. “Illinois has a five-year, $8 billion package. Virginia has a six-year, $10 billion program. We need to step up to the plate! And, while new transportation revenues are critical, we’ve also got to speed up the process for building transportation projects.”

“Last spring, I signed two bills into law that will speed up projects and cut costs: Design build contracting and environmental permit streamlining,” Locke said. “These are tremendous reforms.”

The governor thanked the AGC for supporting his omnibus transportation reform proposal and said he hopes to be able to sign that bill into law this weekend.

Locke also promised to change the regulatory culture of state agencies involved in environmental permitting. The Washington Competitiveness Council, which he convened last year, recommended such changes in a report released in December.

“Businesses should be provided greater certainty,” Locke said. “When businesses come to us needing permits for new development, they are going to know what it will take – what they must do – to get their project approved.”

The governor said that while he remains firmly committed to environmental protection, he will establish clearer standards and guidelines. “I am going to reduce the time and money it takes to get permits by creating a coordinated system that speeds up the environmental permitting process.”
Related Links:
- Washington Competitiveness Council
- Washington State Legislature
- Associated General Contractors of Washington


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