More support for transportation package: Daily News & Transportation Futures Alliance

The Puget Sound Regional Council reports that the Transportation Futures Task Force has written the Legislature in support of a comprehensive transportation package. The letter says, in part:

We are encouraged by the bi-partisan leadership in Olympia to secure vital improvements and repairs to the state’s transportation system, and by the Senate’s action this week. We urge enactment of a comprehensive transportation package this year.

The TFTF endorsement echoes support the Senate proposal has received from editorial boards, civic groups and business leaders from across the state. Add to the list this positive editorial from The Daily News of Longview. 

This week, the state Senate passed a $15 billion transportation package that includes $85 million for the improvement of State Route 432 near the Port of Longview. This could be huge for our region. The state Senate and House of Representatives will negotiate a final version of any transportation bill and send it on to Gov. Jay Inslee for approval, but the Senate bill gives our region a chance to obtain funds and take action on a critical economic development and traffic issue.

…We’re encouraging readers who’d like to see growth and economic development to contact their state legislators and to urge them to pass a transportation bill that includes dedicated funds for SR 432 and its parallel rail corridor.

Now, it’s up to the House to act.