The longer maintenance is delayed, the more expensive the repair. The City of Tumwater does
not have a dedicated funding source for a street maintenance program. Over the past few years,
significant amounts of failing roadway surfaces have been replaced in conjunction with large construction projects, mostly funded by grants and impact fees. The ongoing annual costs
to preserve and maintain street infrastructure continues to rise. In addition, funding for street maintenance and construction has been drastically reduced, due to several statewide initiatives and legislative actions, leaving the City with no consistent funding source for maintenance.

This year, City leaders will consider a Transportation Benefit District (TBD), authorized by Chapter 36.73 RCW. A TBD provides for levying additional revenue for transportation system
maintenance and preservation, e.g., a $20 license tab fee or additional sales tax. A TBD would create a consistent, predictable and dedicated funding source for a street maintenance program to protect our public street system asset.