Councilmember Phillips: House Transportation vote “one step closer to avoiding gridlock”

June 27, 2013

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Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee, issued this statement after today’s vote by the State House of Representatives adopting a state transportation package:

“King County, the economic engine of Washington, is one step closer to avoiding traffic gridlock thanks to the courageous vote of the State House of Representatives supporting a transportation package that includes funding options for Metro Transit, state and local bridges and roads, and bicycle and pedestrian projects.

“I applaud the House, and particularly leaders Judy Clibborn, Frank Chopp, Jessyn Farrell, Joe Fitzgibbon, and Marko Liias for their leadership on behalf of Washington commuters, employers, vulnerable citizens, and the environment.

“Now I urge the State Senate to pass the transportation package. Time is running out to protect Metro Transit from massive cuts that would send 20,000-30,000 people back to their cars every day, and shore up our crumbling bridges and transportation infrastructure.

“If the legislature adjourns without action on transportation, state senators--particularly those from King County--will be to blame for the increased traffic congestion and decreased economic opportunity our region and state face as a result.”