House Transportation budget focuses on projects, cuts overhead

February 20, 2008

OLYMPIA – An aging ferry fleet, flooded highways, plummeting federal revenues  and a failed Puget Sound Roads and Transit package were just a few of the many challenges state Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) faced when drafting the House version of this year’s transportation budget. 

“In the wake of Proposition 1’s failure and the recent ferry crisis, I think it’s safe to say that there wasn’t a lot of optimism on the Transportation Committee when we first convened in January,” Clibborn said.  “We followed the governor’s lead, scrutinized every last project and were able to produce a budget that keeps projects on track, replaces aging ferry vessels and allows us to begin the 520 bridge project.”

The 16-year budget also faced a $1.8 billion deficit fueled by a weakening state gas tax and declining federal highway dollars, combined with project cost increases.  The supplemental budget solves this shortfall with $600 million in administrative and capital cuts, $530 million worth of improved cash management, and by delaying projects that were never fully funded.

Another key element employed to balance this year’s budget was a five-point reform plan that reflects major changes at the Washington State Ferries System (WSF).  The five-point plan was designed to control costs, overhaul management, focus on service, ensure accountability, and plan for the future.

“We have put the ferry system on notice and expect the new transportation secretary and ferries director to turn the ship around,” Clibborn said.  “This budget makes significant cuts to headquarters staff and sends a clear message that the system should provide safe and reliable service and build the right vessels and right terminals.”

The budget also sets the stage for stand alone legislation (HB 3069) addressing the financing of the SR 520 bridge replacement project by funding early congestion improvements with early tolling.

“Replacing the 520 bridge is by far the number one concern my constituents discuss with me,” Clibborn said.  “When Proposition 1 failed, I knew we had a big hole to fill.  I am presenting a plan that gets the bridge built as quickly as possible and keeps future tolls affordable.”

Clibborn also delivered safety improvements on US 2 as requested by state Representative Liz Loomis (D - Snohomish).

“Improving safety is clearly a huge priority for families and truckers who use US 2,” Clibborn said.  “This is just the first of hopefully many projects to make that highway safer.”

In addition to the over 400 safety and congestion projects funded by the Nickel and TPA accounts, this year’s budget highlights include:

Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll operations

• The supplemental budget saves nearly $4 million on toll collection costs
• WSDOT is directed to work with the contractor to reduce costs further

Alaskan Way Viaduct

• Continued funding for the six “moving forward” projects

• The collaborative process will continue to completion in December, 2008

Safety projects

• US 2 – westbound passing lane between Sultan and Monroe ($5 million)
• US 2 – rumble strips and re-striping ($4 million)
• Marysville concrete barriers to prevent crossover accidents ($27 million)
• Suicide prevention fence on Aurora Avenue Bridge ($7.5 million)

 Environmental enhancements

• Stormwater improvements -- $7.3 million to comply with new permit requirements
• Vessel diesel retrofits to save fuel and reduce emissions ($6.3 million for 8 vessels, which saves 1.4 million gallons a year)
• Climate change FTE in WSDOT ($140,000) to prepare vehicle-miles-traveled reduction benchmarks, and develop tools and best practices to help state, regional and local entities achieve the benchmarks

PCC Railroad -- $14.2 million to rehabilitate this short-line railroad in eastern Washington

·        $5.6 million for rehab projects undertaken by WSDOT ($3.6 million) and to complete the purchase ($2.0 million)

·        $8.6 million for rehab projects once a local intergovernmental entity takes over operation of the lines

The House Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on the budget today, February 20, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. in House Hearing Room B.

Related Links:
Transportation Budget Highlights

Five Point Ferry Reform Plan