Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 29, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke calls for state-regional partnerships to improve transportation on I-405 and SR 520

BELLEVUE - Huge transportation improvement projects such as those needed on Interstate 405 and State Route 520 will require state-regional partnerships, Gov. Gary Locke said today.

Speaking to the Puget Sound Regional Council General Assembly, Locke said, "Because of their size and magnitude, many of these projects cannot be shouldered by the state alone. The region must be empowered to partner with the state and federal governments."

He added that the latest estimates for improvements to I-405 alone would cost more than $7 billion.

Overall, the governor stressed the importance of a modern transportation system for Washington that will move people and goods efficiently.

"Without a healthy, robust transportation system, produce and goods don't get to market on time, commuters sit in traffic, and our state - as one connected economic body - ceases to function," Locke said.

He acknowledged the council's "Destination 2030" plan which predicts the Puget Sound region will face a 60 percent increase in traffic over the next 30 years.

"You crafted a long-term, strategic transportation plan that truly complements and dovetails with the recommendations of the state Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation. And you did so the old-fashioned way: one city, one chamber and one community interest at a time," Locke said.

At the state level, the governor said his plan to improve the state's transportation system has three components.

"First, we must reform our existing transportation system to make it work better, faster and at lower cost. And, while I am frustrated at the Legislature's pace, I think we'll get there."

Locke said the Legislature was close to approving a dozen key reforms that streamline the permitting process, allow design-build contracting and call for common sense preservation and maintenance techniques.

"Second, we must agree on the investments that will best meet our top transportation needs - top priority projects that will be started, constructed and many completed within the next six years," he added.

Locke said the third step was to agree on how best to pay for the improvements.

"This is not about putting a pile of cash on the table, and then deciding how to spend it," Locke said.

"Whether new revenue is approved in Olympia or on the state ballot, I believe the final investment plan should meet-as mine does-the Blue Ribbon Commission's test that at least 85 percent of all new state revenues raised within a region must stay within that region," Locke said.

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