The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House approved a transportation bill Friday that includes about $190 million for Washington state, and the Senate is expected to do the same next week.
The 371-11 voted came after House and Senate leaders agreed late Thursday on the $59.6 billion transportation bill. The measure is expected to also pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Bush.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee chairwoman, said the money "will help ease congestion by investing in public transportation, highways and other critical transportation infrastructure."
Her aides noted that Washington will get almost triple the transportation money it got last year.
Among the Washington state projects receiving funding are:
State leaders welcomed the windfall.
"This is a great step forward for transportation in Washington state, but it is the first step toward reaching the long-term goals," said state Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald.
The bill also includes $58 million for the Office of Pipeline Safety, an increase of $11 million over last year. The money will pay for 26 new positions at the pipeline safety agency.
Pipeline safety has been an important issue in Washington state ever since a gasoline line ruptured and the fuel exploded in flames in Bellingham in 1999, killing three.
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