Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 11, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke promises to quickly implement transportation panel's recommendations for solutions and funding

WOODINVILLE - Gov. Gary Locke today promised he would act quickly to implement recommendations of the state's Blue Ribbon Transportation Commission when they are issued in December to end the reliance on short-term solutions to traffic problems.

Speaking before the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, the governor said, "I believe the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation is our best hope in years - maybe decades - to secure the long-term solutions we seek."

"No more quick fixes or silver bullet solutions: we need a long-term consensus on meeting our state's transportation challenges," the governor said.

He also called for a bi-partisan approach to solving transportation problems. "That is why, with the Legislature, we established the Blue Ribbon Commission. I reject the partisan argument that pits highways against transit: clearly we must have both, along with a strong and safe ferry system, freight mobility and passenger rail."

Locke said one solution to the region's traffic problems is to provide affordable housing in fast-growing areas such as Redmond.

"Affordable housing close to work, combined with reliable transit service will also help to alleviate some traffic congestion and increase transportation mobility in the area," Locke said.

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