The state postponed about $10 million in funding for the widening of 196th Street SW between 48th and 37th avenues in Lynnwood. (City of Lynnwood)

The state postponed about $10 million in funding for the widening of 196th Street SW between 48th and 37th avenues in Lynnwood. (City of Lynnwood)

State delays funding for local projects in the wake of I-976

The $30 car-tab measure blows a $451 million hole in the transportation budget.

EVERETT — The state Department of Transportation halted more than two dozen projects across the state this week as the agency deals with a potential loss of revenue from the passage of Initiative 976. Funding allocated to dozens of local municipalities and transit agencies also has been delayed for at least six months.

Millions of dollars worth of projects are in Snohomish County, from Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood to Lake Stevens and Marysville.

The list of projects was released late Tuesday, hours before a King County Superior Court judge Wednesday blocked the $30 car-tab measure voters approved earlier this month. The initiative was set to go into effect. Dec. 5.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The city of Seattle and King County filed suit against the measure. The Washington State Transit Association, whose members include Sound Transit and Community Transit, and the Association of Washington Cities, which includes many Snohomish County cities, are also parties.

After the passage of I-976, Gov. Jay Inslee directed WSDOT to postpone projects not yet underway. Many are designed to add capacity to roadways.

WSDOT is preparing for a 7%, or $451 million, loss in its budget in the next two years, according to Roger Millar, the state’s transportation secretary.

Despite Wednesday’s injunction, the state is going forward with its plan.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Inslee said state funds from car tab fees would be held in a separate account.

“We will effectively go forward as if the initiative is still in place and these funds will be available for refunds as determined by any further court order,” he said.

In Snohomish County, a project in Lake Stevens at the intersection of highways 9 and 204 made the list. The phase of construction that adds a northbound lane has been deferred for at least six months. The entire plan also calls for additional southbound lanes and several roundabouts.

State funding for portions of local projects has been delayed for several cities in the county.

In Lynnwood, the state postponed about $10 million in funding for the widening of 196th Street SW between 48th and 37th avenues. As was about $500,000 for the Centennial Trail in Marysville and $360,000 for the Mountlake Terrace Main Street project.

The $40 million Lynnwood project is continuing at the moment, said Julie Moore, a spokesperson for the city. It’s currently in the design and acquisition stage, which is fully funded.

The WSDOT money is for a portion construction costs, Moore said. It is set to begin in the spring.

“Everything is kind of up in the air,” Moore said. “We will continue to advocate how important the project is for safety, maintenance and capacity.”

A $1.5 million state grant for Community Transit to purchase 26 replacement vehicles for the vanpool program also has been deferred. The transit agency is in the same wait and see holding pattern as Lynnwood. If the funding ultimately doesn’t come through, the agency might push off replacing the vans for a year, said Martin Munguia, a spokesperson for Community Transit.

Lizz Giordano: 425-374-4165; egiordano@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @lizzgior.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

People listen as the Marysville School Board votes to close an elementary and a middle school in the 2025-26 school year while reconfiguring the district’s elementary schools to a K-6 model on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Marysville schools audit shows some improvement

Even though the district still faces serious financial problems, the findings are a positive change over last year, auditors said.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

Edie Carroll trims plants at Baker's Acres Nursery during Sorticulture on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sorticulture, Everett’s garden festival, is in full swing

The festival will go through Sunday evening and has over 120 local and regional vendors.

Students attending Camp Killoqua next week pose with Olivia Park Elementary staff on Friday, June 6 near Everett. Top, from left: Stacy Goody, Cecilia Stewart and Lynne Peters. Bottom, from left: Shaker Alfaly, Jenna Alfaly and Diana Peralta. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
A school needed chaperones for an outdoor camp. Everett cops stepped up.

An Olivia Park Elementary trip to Camp Killoqua would have been canceled if not for four police officers who will help chaperone.

Cascadia College Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor Midori Sakura looks in the surrounding trees for wildlife at the North Creek Wetlands on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Cascadia College ecology students teach about the importance of wetlands

To wrap up the term, students took family and friends on a guided tour of the North Creek wetlands.

Everett’s minimum wage goes up on July 1. Here’s what to know.

Voters approved the increase as part of a ballot measure in the November election.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
State declares drought emergency for parts of Snohomish County

Everett and the southwest part of the county are still under a drought advisory, but city Public Works say water outlooks are good.

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.