Gossett to Chair Public Works Committee

Snohomish County Chair Dave Somers announced assignments for committees for the County Council for 2011 this week. Councilmember Dave Gossett will be the new Chair of the Public Works Committee. Gossett had chaired the Law and Justice/Human Services Committee since 2006.

"I've enjoyed chairing Law and Justice/Human Services very much," said Gossett. "However, after five years I was interested in a change. I'm very excited to get the chance to chair Public Works."

The Public Works Committee has primary oversight for several county departments, including Roads, Solid Waste, Surface Water, and Equipment Rental.

"Transportation is a key interest of mine and this appointment will allow me to play a key role in addressing traffic congestion," said Gossett. "We face a transportation shortfall of over $250 million dollars by 2025 in road construction alone."

During the 2011 budget discussions Public Works staff indicated that the problem could be solved by a tripling of revenues in 2017.

"It is unrealistic to assume that somehow transportation revenues will triple in 2017 and our problems will go away," noted Gossett. "Transportation projects take years to build. We need to start talking to our citizens about solutions and consequences now."

Gossett was the author of a budget note directing the Executive to provide the County Council with a Capital/Infrastructure Business Plan no later than March 31^st. The plan should identify recommended funding sources and if funding is less than needed:

•  Identify the specific projects that will not be completed
• Provide details regarding recommendations to lower level of service to meet available funding and how much new congestion would result
• Indicate what changes would be necessary in land use patterns-i.e. increased density in urban areas and restrictions on development in rural areas

"Our citizens have the right to know what our options are," said Gossett. "We need to involve them in choosing the best option for their families."

Gossett, currently Chair of Community Transit, noted that increasing transit service isn't a magic bullet for the problem.

"Transit is a key part of any solution. But it doesn't address freight needs and it is also underfunded," said Gossett. "Between now and 2025 it would take an additional $300 million dollars just to restore transit service to 2009 levels."

In addition to the Community Transit Board Gossett has served on a number of transportation boards in the past, including the I-405 Executive Committee and the Regional Transportation Investment District board. He was recently reappointed by Governor Gregoire to represent western Washington counties on the Freight Mobility and Strategic Investment Board.

"A good transportation system is essential for economic growth and competitiveness," said Gossett. "If we want a strong economy and good jobs for our citizens we have to focus on addressing transportation needs."