Washington Business Spring 2017 | Washington Business | Page 27

washington business
“This is an unprecedented
partnership between our four
organizations and it occurred
because we recognize what’s at
stake. Investing in Washington’s
infrastructure will provide jobs
and lead to a healthier economy
throughout the state.”
— Kris Johnson, president, Association of
Washington Business
at a glance
The Association of Washington Business,
the Association of Washington Cities, the
Washington State Association of Counties,
and the Washington Public Ports Association
commissioned the “Building the Economy:
Infrastructure Needs in Washington” and
released it March 20.
“The infrastructure needs in our state are great, and we need long-term and
continuous investment to maintain our economy and prepare for natural disasters,”
said AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter B. King.
The longer leaders put off action, King explained, the underinvestment in
infrastructure leads to increased costs, reduced income, reduced economic
output, and firms looking for other places to do business.
population growth equals more needs
It is expected that Washington state will be home to an additional 2 million
people by 2040.
That means more of what we already have in terms of roads, broadband,
water treatment and environmental improvements.
“The fact is, people are moving to Washington state and we are poised for that
growth,” said Eric Johnson, WSAC executive director, of the detailed report.
Mike Ennis, AWB government affairs director for infrastructure policy,
advocated for the state’s 2015 transportation investment package on behalf
Washington is home to 10 Fortune 500
companies and moves more than $700 billion
worth of goods through its ports each year.
Washington contributes well over $300 billion
to the United States economy, making the state
a critical player in the nation’s success.
Funding to meet Washington’s infrastructure
needs would create an estimated 600,000-
660,000 direct and indirect jobs.
To keep the state and nation working well, there
are definite infrastructure needs — totaling more
than $190 billion in Washington state alone.
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