Washington Business Fall 2017 | Legislative Review & Vote Record | Page 42

2017 legislative review
Infrastructure
Michael Ennis: Transportation, Aviation
Lawmakers addressed several important transportation bills in 2017. They adopted Real ID legislation, moving
the state into federal compliance with the Real ID Act, enhanced Washington’s distracted driving regulations,
and passed a Columbia River bridge bill that provides a first step toward fresh discussions on a possible new
Interstate 5 crossing.
In March, AWB joined three associations (representing ports, cities and counties) to release a statewide
infrastructure needs assessment. Given the discussions around a potential federal infrastructure investment
package, the report pulled together existing research in four categories: transportation, energy, water and
communications. It found $190 billion in infrastructure
needs across the state. The four associations
followed up with discussions with congressional
staff in Washington, D.C., and met with members of
Washington’s congressional delegation to stress the
importance of infrastructure funding in Washington
state.
Legislator’s also clarified and expanded Washington’s
alternative fuel incentive program for commercial
vehicles. Since the program was implemented in 2015,
the business community identified several areas of
improvement to streamline and expand eligibility.
AWB worked closely with members of our Alternative
Fuels Task Force and lawmakers to successfully find
a reasonable approach.
After rejecting Gov. Jay Inslee’s appointment of a
transportation secretary last year, Senate leaders
gave their support to Roger Millar, who was appointed
acting secretary in 2016. This year, Senate leaders
Darren Engle, director of government operations for Blue Star Gas, testifies with
unanimously backed Millar in the permanent post.
AWB’s Mike Ennis before the House Finance Committee.
AWB staff have met with Secretary Millar and
discussed the transportation priorities of the business community.
And, despite not reaching an agreement on the operating budget during the regular 105-day session, lawmakers
did adopt an $8.5 billion transportation budget for the 2017-19 biennium. The budget allocates $4.2 billion in
the various capital programs and maintains the statewide Connecting Washington package, the transportation
investment and reform package approved in 2015. The budget also:
• Shifts $60 million of additional Transportation Partnership Account (2005 transportation revenue package)
funds to help fill the $149 million cost overrun on the Alaska Way Viaduct Deep Bore Tunnel project.
• Adds $162 million to existing fish passage barrier funding, which averages about $90 million per biennium
through 2033, still far short of the $2.4 billion estimated total need for culvert replacements.
• Funds several studies, including: Board of Pilotage, I-405 Toll Data, Air Cargo, Role of the WTC, and alignment
of an ultra-high-speed rail line between Vancouver, B.C. and Portland.
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