Two recent editorials encourage lawmakers to keep working on comprehensive transportation legislation, using the Senate package as a model.
From the Seattle Times:
THE state Senate, after two years of frustrated effort, has passed a $15 billion transportation package. Its 11 measures — a mix of reforms and revenue — are key to relieving traffic congestion with investments in transit and roads and maintaining the state’s existing highways and bridges.
A bipartisan group of senators exercised some imagination to negotiate and shepherd this compromise, which includes an 11.7-cent-per-gallon increase in the gas tax, through their chamber. The deal could create an estimated 200,000 jobs over the next 16 years.
State House leaders must keep the momentum going.
And from the Wenatchee World:
It was a bipartisan effort, and an accomplishment in and of itself. The state Senate Tuesday approved a $15 billion transportation package, a series of administrative reforms, and a phased 11.7-cent increase in the gas tax. It was a difficult, but large step forward toward the ultimate goal of making an adequate investment in the state’s infrastructure, essential to our economic well-being.
The truths are evident. The state requires a functioning and modestly efficient transportation system to move its goods and people, the fuel for economic growth.
Exactly right.
