Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 23, 2001
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
The $51 million corridor separates vehicle and rail traffic and eliminates two railroad crossings. The corridor will carry more than 20,000 vehicles per day.
"This project is an example of what we need - indeed absolutely must have - all across urban Washington," Locke said.
He said the 2.4 mile corridor will save truckers and others tens of thousands of hours over the next few years.
"That in turn will increase productivity and help our economy," the governor said.
"This new arterial serves an important industrial valley that is home to 71,000 jobs. This corridor will help ensure that those jobs remain here and that more jobs are created," Locke said.
The governor said he's pushing a $6 billion, six-year investment package designed to "Get Washington Moving Again."
His three-stage approach begins with key reforms and efficiencies recommended by the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation and now before the Legislature.
The second stage is for the state to agree upon a list of projects to be completed over the next six years and then - as the third stage - determine what new revenues will be needed to pay for them, Locke said.
Locke added he also is asking the Legislature for $3.7 billion in regional transportation funding authority so that regions of the state can raise money for local projects.
"Unless we move quickly on other crucial projects like this one, Washington's transportation system will fall further into gridlock, jobs will disappear and we'll end up seeing less of our families and more of the bumpers and tail lights in front of us," Locke said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 23, 2001
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Locke says Kent Corridor sets example for new transportation projects
KENT - Gov. Gary Locke today hailed the opening of the Kent Cross-Valley Freight Corridor as an example of the type of traffic improvements that are necessary throughout all of urban Washington.The $51 million corridor separates vehicle and rail traffic and eliminates two railroad crossings. The corridor will carry more than 20,000 vehicles per day.
"This project is an example of what we need - indeed absolutely must have - all across urban Washington," Locke said.
He said the 2.4 mile corridor will save truckers and others tens of thousands of hours over the next few years.
"That in turn will increase productivity and help our economy," the governor said.
"This new arterial serves an important industrial valley that is home to 71,000 jobs. This corridor will help ensure that those jobs remain here and that more jobs are created," Locke said.
The governor said he's pushing a $6 billion, six-year investment package designed to "Get Washington Moving Again."
His three-stage approach begins with key reforms and efficiencies recommended by the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation and now before the Legislature.
The second stage is for the state to agree upon a list of projects to be completed over the next six years and then - as the third stage - determine what new revenues will be needed to pay for them, Locke said.
Locke added he also is asking the Legislature for $3.7 billion in regional transportation funding authority so that regions of the state can raise money for local projects.
"Unless we move quickly on other crucial projects like this one, Washington's transportation system will fall further into gridlock, jobs will disappear and we'll end up seeing less of our families and more of the bumpers and tail lights in front of us," Locke said.
| » Return to this month's News Releases |
| » View News Release Archive |
Home
Governor Locke
- About the Governor
- Cabinet
- Senior Staff
- Executive Orders
- Proclamations
- Boards and Commissions
- Contact the Governor
The First Lady
News Room
About Washington
- Washington State Facts
- Photo Gallery
- The 50 State QuartersTM Program
- State Legislature
- Washington Courts
- US Census 2000
- Register to Vote
Contact Us
Search
