News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 30, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke pledges bipartisan effort to implement Blue Ribbon Commission transportation recommendations

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today promised a bipartisan effort to implement recommendations from the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.

"We are here to announce that business as usual is over. The days of creep-and-beep, crawl-and-stall are on their way out," Locke said at a press conference here today.

He was joined by leaders of the Legislature and the business community.

The governor stated his immediate top priorities are to squeeze every efficiency from the state's existing system and maintain it well.

"We should not underestimate how important it is to truly streamline and maintain our system," Locke said.

The governor endorsed a set of priorities called "The Early Action Strategy." The strategy is an important way to get better mobility quickly. It will cut congestion at key choke points, and do it within a reasonable six-year period.

"The success of those projects will allow us then to get started on the huge projects, such as Interstate 405, 520 bridge and the North Spokane Corridor," he explained.

The governor said he has already asked the Washington Transportation Commission by letter to adopt Blue Ribbon benchmarks that ensure state roads, highways and bridges are in good condition.

For long-term transportation solutions to major traffic choke points, Locke said he would begin a statewide dialogue when he will talk to citizens during morning and evening commuting hours via radio stations across the state. The radio dialogue is scheduled to last for more than a week.

"I have reviewed the recommendations proposed by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation, and other suggestions as well. And I'm paring down priorities," Locke said.

He also pledged voters will have the opportunity to approve any significant new taxes or fees to invest in transportation improvements.

"It is my intention and desire to produce a responsible, bipartisan transportation package with the Legislature," Locke said.

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