Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 27, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke signs budget to put transportation priorities in the fast lane

OLYMPIA — Determined to avoid further delays in critical transportation projects, Gov. Gary Locke today signed the 1999-01 transportation budget. The Legislature embraced the governor's key transportation priorities in the budget passed during last week's special session.

"I wanted to act as quickly as possible so we can get started in time for this summer's construction season," Locke said. "Washington commuters have waited long enough. For them, this budget will mean less time sitting in traffic and more time spent with families."

With its $4 billion budget approved for the next two years, the Legislature agreed with the governor's key transportation priorities, including:

$248 million for core high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes will complete critical links from Everett to Tacoma for transit and carpool commuters.

- $114 million provides an initial investment in "congestion relief corridors" to address "choke points" in the state's most congested urban areas.

- $170 million in state funds will leverage local, federal and private investments that will benefit the efficient and timely movement of freight and goods by road, rail and water throughout the state.

- $97 million will provide expanded passenger-only ferry service from Southworth and Kingston to downtown Seattle.

In addition to the significant capital investments for the Department of Transportation, the budget also provides funding for 18 new community-oriented police (COPs) troopers and additional staff to reduce wait times in the busiest Department of Licensing offices.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive