OLYMPIA — Bills to identify road improvements needed on U.S. 2 between Everett and Snohomish are moving ahead in the Legislature minus one key piece — a promise of money.
Last week, in separate votes, the House and Senate transportation committees approved the state’s involvement in preparing a study of safety and congestion- fighting projects on U.S. 2 between the Port of Everett and Highway 9 in Snohomish.
But both committees removed language pledging $400,000 to cover half the estimated cost of the study. Snohomish County and the city of Everett have agreed to pay the other half.
Instead, the bills make clear supporters will need to lobby to get the money included in the state transportation budget that will be drafted later in the session.
The study, known as a route development plan, will sort out transportation problems and prepare a list of possible projects to solve them. With such a plan, the state will be better able to compete for federal transportation dollars to carry out the work.
House Bill 1575, sponsored by Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett, and Senate Bill 5394, sponsored by Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, are in the Rules Committee of their respective chambers.
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