Gossett Represents
Association of Counties on Transportation Panel
On Wednesday, November 14th, the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) met in Wenatchee. The JTC is a committee established by the Legislature and consists of the chairs and other members of the House Transportation Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee. The purpose of the JTC is to review and research transportation issues to better inform state and government policy makers.
The Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) also held their annual conference in Wenatchee that week. WSAC was asked to put together a panel to discuss transportation needs and resources in relation to the next state funding package.
"I was honored to be asked to participate in this important discussion," said Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett. "These are policy issues that will impact the future of our economy."
Gossett focused his remarks on the funding shortfall which counties face for transportation infrastructure.
"We are $250 million short of being able to construct the projects the county, based on the Growth Management Act, identified as necessary for development in 2005," Gossett told the JTC. "2/3's of the remaining projects we committed to completing by 2025 will not be done without additional funding."
Gossett also addressed the ability of counties to deal with non-Growth Management related projects such as on-going maintenance, re-paving, walkways, safety and other concerns. He provided the JTC with information showing that the annual road budget had fallen by 1/3 since 2008.
"Our pavement is in good condition now," Gossett noted. "But without additional funds the condition will decline in the next few years. If pavement isn't maintained it becomes very expensive to repair."
The six year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), which identifies projects to be constructed, has declined from a high in 2008-2013 of $460 million to the 2013-2018 proposed level of $188 million Gossett noted. At current funding levels it will not be possible to keep up with the need for reducing congestion.
"There was real bi-partisan support amongst the committee for addressing multi-modes of transportation across the state," said Gossett. "I am hopeful that local elected leaders and state leaders continue to work together to balance our transportation needs".
