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TRANSPORTATION

In the face of our State’s largest tax increase resulting in one of the highest gas tax rates in the nation, we still struggle with transportations issues – mostly due to political agendas. The key issue affecting both commercial and personal traffic is congestion. Yet the majority of the proposals are mass transit dominated.

Mass Transit (light and heavy) rail is a prohibitively expensive and rigid system. While mass transit is effective in limited areas - connecting to a very high density area, such as the Sounder running on existing rail lines from Tacoma to Seattle to service commuters. However, the expansive light rail systems envisioned by Sound Transit and Prop1 are prohibitively expensive and inflexible. So why is our government fixated on delivering a 19th century solution to a 21st century problem? Instead, we should look to improved “green” bus-service to provide an immediate and flexible transit solution.

Expand traffic constraints and relieve congestion. We need to look to solutions that reduce both congestion and commuters. We have heavily congested highways– like 167, the Orting Highway and 161 (Meridian) that desperately need relief. Additionally, we need to strategically build new roads, like the cross-base highway. For less money than light rail, we can provide a far greater benefit for our citizens.

Accountability. Our transportation organizations performance cries for accountability – and an accountability based on results not marketing. Sound Transit and Washington State Ferries are example of the cost and consequences of poor accountability.

We do have a positive model for accomplishing major projects in the recently completed Narrows Bridge. It represented a design-build contract that was completed on-time and on budget, providing incredible congestion relief.