April 12, 2015

Transportation Bill Update

By Sarah Washburn

The Washington State legislature has indicated that a $15 billion transportation revenue package that would raise the gas tax 11.7 cents over the next three years will not get a vote in the House until both chambers negotiate a final deal.

We outlined the transportation package in a previous post.  In sum, the Senate has approved the $15 billion plan and a spending bill that would designate the money for specific projects throughout the state.  The plan would likely generate significant construction-related employment.  

Legislators hope to negotiate the plan prior to a floor debate to save time, as only a few weeks remain in the current legislature session – which is scheduled to end April 26, 2015.  We will provide an update when a final decision is reached.