Senate advances funding piece of $17B transportation package

State Democrats crafted the proposal that proposes roughly $600M of state investments in Snohomish County over 16 years.

OLYMPIA — The state Senate on Wednesday approved a 16-year, $16.8 billion transportation package, which would steer $600 million into Snohomish County for new roads, expanded bus service and increased safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Democrats crafted the proposal that passed on a 29-20 vote. It now goes to the House for consideration.

The largest single investment proposed in Snohomish County is $210 million for design and engineering of a westbound U.S. 2 trestle replacement. It also calls for fare-free transit for riders 18 and younger, state culvert replacements to help migrating salmon and widening part of Highway 522.

To pay for the package, Democrats rely on receipts from the cap-and-trade system established in the Climate Commitment Act, federal funds, a slew of higher vehicle-related fees, a new 6 cent tax on exported fuel and a $2 billion transfer from the state general fund. There is no gas tax increase.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dospueblos.

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