Is state ready for another massive transportation package?
OLYMPIA — A Lake Stevens lawmaker is plowing ahead with an ambitious plan for raising billions of dollars to build new bridges, widen old highways and open up fish passages.
Democratic Sen. Steve Hobbs filed legislation Thursday for a 10-year, $16.6 billion package of transportation improvements largely paid for with a 6-cent hike in the gas tax and new fees on carbon emissions and development.
Hobbs, who is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, estimates that much money is needed to carry out major projects such as rebuilding the U.S. 2 trestle in Snohomish County, and to pay for removal of state-owned culverts that are blocking fish passages as required by the U.S. Supreme Court.
His plan also would pay Washington’s share of a new I-5 bridge across the Columbia River, widen Highway 522 between Maltby and the Snohomish River, and fulfill items on wish lists of lawmakers across the state.
He touts it as the most comprehensive response to the transportation and environmental demands of a growing population.
“This bill shows there is another way to address our infrastructure needs and environmental concerns responsibly,” he said.
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I'm not sure I am.
