News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 20, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke talks transportation and long-term economic development with county officials

BELLEVUE - Gov. Gary Locke today met with local county officials and highlighted the need for statewide transportation improvements and for a statewide summit on economic development.

Addressing the Washington State Association of Counties annual meeting at the Best Western Inn in Bellevue this afternoon, Locke told his audience the need to fund statewide and regional transportation improvements was essential for a healthy economy and for safety for Washington families.

“State and local governments simply will not have the funds to address growing chokepoints and other transportation problems without a badly needed package of funding proposals,” Locke said. “Our ability to increase capacity for a growing population will be zero.”

The governor also shared that in mid-September he will host the first-ever statewide summit on economic development. It will be held in Spokane with a focus on leadership, partnership, recovery and results.

“We’re working with economic development councils, and the public and private sectors, to give the state and you more tools to foster economic development,” Locke said. “We want to ensure that we have jobs not only for today’s adults, but also for future adults, our kids and our grandkids.”

Finally, the governor addressed the tough fiscal climate local governments are experiencing. He noted he is well aware of the challenging budget choices local government leaders are making.

“As all of us work and manage our way out of one fiscal crisis after another, I can truly say to you that I know how hard it has been, and still is,” Locke said. “We in state government, and you in county government, need more than ever to work closely together to find ways to help each other serve the people of Washington.”
Related Links:
- Washington State Association of Counties


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