In a move that marks a significant investment in infrastructure and a display of rare political cooperation, Washington's 24th District is set to receive a boost with $15.6 billion allocated for various transportation projects after the new budget gained bipartisan support. The package, designed to enhance the state's highways, ferries, trains, and buses will focus primarily on maintenance and public safety. Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles) hailed the effort, stating, "In a difficult budget year, we stuck with what was most important—preservation and safety," in a statement obtained by House Democrats.
Clearly illustrating the importance of functioning transportation systems for community connection, Rep. Adam Bernbaum, Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee, noted how the team started with a deep deficit yet maintained fiscal discipline throughout, they were determined to handle finances carefully while ensuring core values went uncompromised; the budget does not cut essential services like State Patrol or maintenance. “Transportation is vital to keep our communities connected,” said Bernbaum, the budget "is balanced and does not reduce funding for basic safety, our State Patrol, or maintenance and preservation,” he told House Democrats, and it also upholds the dedication of Climate Commitment Account funds to policies that address climate change.
Specific projects in the 24th District, such as the SR 117 Truck Route at US 101 interchange improvements and the SR 109 bypass at Quinault, will benefit from this budget as part of the $20.622 million in strictly local projects. This funding also extends support to the larger-scale Makah Passage project, which alone is tagged at $7.825 million. Alongside these district-specific plans, the budget allocates $72 million to the US 12 Highway-Rail Separation in Aberdeen, a venture spanning six years and $6 million for Grays Harbor Transit HQ ROW permitting and final design, involving the adjacent districts as well.
Gratitude has been expressed by local leaders for their tireless contributions, particularly in pursuit of this funding. “I want to thank all the community leaders who fought for local projects,” Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend) communicated, acknowledging the extensive planning and advocacy efforts required for these developments, he recognized the extensive planning and advocacy it takes to bring these projects to fruition, "It can take years to plan a single project and secure the funding. We couldn’t have done it without your hard work and advocacy,” he shared with House Democrats. More details on the transportation, operating, and capital budgets can be found by visiting the state's fiscal website.
