“This transportation budget was put together in a bipartisan way that reflects the transportation needs and priorities of our entire state,” said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.
Included in the $7.5 billion budget is nearly $300 million for the purchase of four new vessels for Washington State Ferries during the 2009-11 and 2011-13 biennia. The first three vessels will be Island Home class (64-car) ferries, and the fourth vessel will either be an Island Home class or a 144-car ferry, depending on the timing and availability of funds. The budget begins funding for another ferry in subsequent biennia.
Operating funding is provided for all routes, including maintaining service to Sidney, BC, and to provide extra runs on the Port Townsend-Keystone route during the summer season when only one vessel is available for that route.
Because more fuel-efficient vehicles are expected to drive down the state’s gas tax revenue in the future, the budget provides funding for the Joint Transportation Committee to conduct a comprehensive analysis of mid-term and long-term transportation funding mechanisms and methods. The study is intended to facilitate the development and possible implementation of alternative transportation funding methods.
Although recent news has focused on cuts to programs in the state operating budget, Washington’s transportation budget is a separate fiscal document. Highway projects are funded primarily with state gas taxes revenue and transportation funds are constitutionally dedicated to building, maintaining and operating our state highway system — including the marine highways serviced by Washington State Ferries.
The transportation budget was previously passed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 77 to 19, and now goes to the governor for her signature.