Oregon woman named to lead state transportation office

OLYMPIA — Lynn Peterson can count on a bumpy ride when she takes the helm at the Department of Transportation next month.

The Oregon woman named as the new transportation secretary Tuesday by Gov. Jay Inslee won’t be able to steer around conflicts on funding, ferries and mega-projects as she settles in atop the organizational chart of one of the state’s most high-profile agencies.

Debate is beginning on a multi-billion dollar transportation funding proposal crafted by House Democrats. The linchpin of the plan is a 10-cent increase in the gas tax to pay for road work, bus service and highway construction.

Replacement of the Highway 520 bridge continues to be dogged by questions about the costs of construction and durability of the pontoons.

And the Washington State Ferries is foundering financially and losing faith with a handful of lawmakers bent on tightening their grip on the purse strings for the system.

Peterson, who is Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber’s transportation policy adviser for two more weeks, said she knows she must “home in quickly” on the unfinished projects and get up to speed on the department’s current initiatives.

It is a “nice challenge and an amazing opportunity,” said Peterson who will begin her $158,160 a year job on March 12.

In Oregon, she handled all transportation-related issues for the governor except those associated with the construction of a new Columbia River Crossing.

In Washington, she’ll be in charge of an agency with 6,800 employees and an $8.7 billion budget and oversee a transportation system consisting of 18,600 lane miles of highways, 3,600 bridges, general aviation airports, the Washington State Patrol and the nation’s largest state-run ferry system.

Peterson will replace Paula Hammond who was appointed secretary in 2007. Hammond wanted to keep her job but now will retire March 8 after a 34-year career in the department

“I leave with no regrets at all,” she said. “I know (the employees) will be fine. I know they will do well. And I wish her much success.”

Inslee told Hammond on Saturday of his intent to change course. He said his decision should not be viewed as criticism of Hammond’s tenure.

“It’s much more about having a fresh look,” he told reporters late Tuesday, adding she will “create a new vision for transportation in the state of Washington.”

Inslee declined to say if other personnel changes are coming, dodging a specific question on the future of Assistant Secretary David Moseley, who runs the state ferry system.

“We’ll be talking about that when she gets on the job,” he said.

Peterson holds master’s degrees in civil and environmental engineering and in urban and regional planning. She described herself as a professional not a practicing engineer.

She served on the Clackamas County Commission before joining Kitzhaber’s staff in February 2011.

Among the initiatives she worked on for Kitzhaber were the Willamette Valley Passenger Rail Plan and expansion of the “electric highway,” which increased the number of electric-vehicle charging stations on I-5.

She’s known for trying to meld land use planning with transportation in ways which emphasize availability of bus or rail services as well as paths for bikes and pedestrians.

“I am very much into finding ways to build communities and transportation is a big part of it,” she said.

Larry Ehl, editor and publisher of the respected Transportation Issues Daily online newsletter, called Peterson “an inspired pick.”

“It’s very much in line with his talk and where he wants the state to go,” he said. “She can be an ideas person. My impression is she’s very smart, very articulate and very committed.”

House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, said he was “heartened” by Inslee’s choice and looked forward to having a new perspective on the balancing of spending on roads and transit.

Rep. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, a vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee and booster of transit funding, said he was “very encouraged” by her selection.

“I have not worked with her personally, but she brings a strong reputation of collaboration and creativity that are sorely needed as we tackle our state’s transportation challenges,” he said.

“Our new secretary served in county government in the Portland area, she clearly understands the challenges facing a growing county like ours,” he continued. “We know she will advocate for sustainable transportation solutions that fit our Snohomish County values.”

Hammond leaves having etched her mark on transportation policy in a variety of ways.

In 2007, she pulled the four aging Steel Electric-class ferries from service, severing the link between Port Townsend and Keystone Harbor on Whidbey Island for two months. Her action led to construction of three new 64-car ferries.

In her first year, she also ordered closure of the Murray Morgan Bridge in Tacoma because of its debilitated state. It was refurbished and recently reopened.

In her tenure, Hammond saw hundreds of projects completed using gas tax dollars approved in 2003 and 2005. She also teamed with former Gov. Chris Gregoire to get replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Highway 520 bridges under way. She also spoke out for light rail service on I-90.

“On a national level, she’s the envy of state departments of transportation for what she’s accomplished,” Ehl said.

Though Hammond knew of Peterson’s hiring Saturday, she kept mum until Tuesday morning when, as word spread of the pending announcement, she emailed her top managers, then the workers.

“I couldn’t have done this job without each and every one of you,” she wrote her executive team. “The last six years have been a great roller-coaster ride full of thrills and scares, but I have a sense of great satisfaction and fulfillment now that the ride is over.”

She said she doesn’t know her next career step. It might be with Mary Margaret Haugen, the ex-Camano Island state senator who ran the Senate Transportation Committee for several years.

“I think she and I will put a lemonade stand up at the Stanwood train station,” she joked.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Everett fire destroys home under construction, damages adjacent structures

The fire happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported.

Everett
Open house on Everett comprehensive plan coming Feb. 28

The state requires fast-growing cities like Everett to create comprehensive plans, which plan for population growth, transportation improvements and more.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.