If the transportation problem in Washington is going to improve, all forms of government must work together.
That was the dominant theme of the transportation meeting held last Saturday at Oak Harbor Senior Center, which attracted some of the state’s top transportation planners.
Every level of government was represented at the event, including U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, Island County Commissioner Mac McDowell, Oak Harbor Mayor Patty Cohen, and Washington State Secretary of Transportation Doug McDonald.
“There is a partnership between federal, state, and local governments when it comes to transportation,” said Larsen in his opening remarks.
It was the first of five town hall meetings that the congressman has planned for his district. After introducing the panelists, Larsen discussed the federal government’s role in providing funding for transportation and the upcoming reauthorization of “TEA-21.”
The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century (TEA-21) provides federal funding for transportation projects throughout the country. Through TEA-21 the federal government dispenses matching funds for local transportation projects. Larsen noted the importance of this funding if Washington state is to solve its transportation problems.
“Puget Sound congestion is the third worst in the country,” he said. “We clearly have some problems with transportation in the region.”
Larsen also revealed the results of a survey that he sent out to his constituents about transportation. He noted three concerns:
People want money raised for transportation to be used for transportation.
There is strong support for choices in transportation, including Amtrak, HOV lanes, and transit.
People want projects that can be built quickly as possible without harming the environment.
Haugen, who helped engineer the upcoming transportation package that the state of Washington will vote on in the fall, stressed the importance of the reauthorization of TEA-21.
“TEA-21 is one of the most important things that can happen on the federal level,” she said.
The state senator also discussed the transportation proposal put forth by the state house and senate that will raise gasoline taxes by nine cents but will provide $7.7 billion in funding to help solves the state’s transportation woes. Taxpayers will vote on the issue this November.
“This fall you the citizens are going to have to make a major investment in the state of Washington,” she said. “It’s not going to happen without your support.”
McDowell and Cohen each discussed local issues, including the proposed Oak Harbor pier project. McDonald emphasized that the state was spending money on transportation effectively.
“Everybody is concerned that we spend the money well,” he said. “I don’t know how to deal with it unless we tell people every day what we are doing and that we are using their money well.”
Each speaker stressed the importance of a partnership on all levels of government — federal, state, county, and city if the area’s transportation problems are to improve. They also emphasized that for things to get done government is going to need the citizens’ help.
“There are no easy answers here,” Haugen told the group. “You have to spent money to fix the problems. It’s going to be a tough decision for you folks this autumn.”
