House Republican transportation lead Rep. Andrew Barkis provides statement on the approval of the 2023-25 transportation budget

The Washington State House of Representatives unanimously approved the 2023-25 transportation budget proposal today. This $13.5 billion biennial budget funds infrastructure projects across the state, including maintenance and preservation of current transportation systems, the Washington State Ferry system, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington State Patrol, and other state transportation agencies.

Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, ranking member on the House Transportation Committee and lead Republican negotiator, issued the following statement on the final passage of the proposal:

“This is an intricate and unique budget, as it is both an operating and capital budget for our state's transportation system.

“I am proud we worked in a bipartisan way to craft this budget, to ask the tough questions, to listen to one another to find solutions to prioritize and fund current projects and keep Washington state's transportation system moving forward.

“This budget prioritizes projects already underway for completion under the Connecting Washington package. Funding for the Gateway Project in Thurston County, the North/South freeway in Spokane, Highway 12 in Walla Walla, the I-5 Columbia River crossing in Clark County, and fish passage barrier replacements throughout the state are a few projects which will move forward.

“Public safety is also a priority, and this budget is a win for law enforcement by making investments toward our state trooper force in recruitment and retention efforts.

“I am always seeking ways to reimagine our state's budgeting process. In this budget, I included provisions to allow local jurisdictions the authority to assist in projects they are willing and able to do the work that WSDOT does not have the capacity to complete. This budget has a few projects that showcase this cooperative endeavor, including roundabouts in the 2nd District.

“This is a good budget for Washington state. I want to thank Chairman Rep. Jake Fey for working alongside me, my assistant ranking members and fellow Republican committee members on the House Transportation Committee to get this bipartisan budget to where it stands today for the people of our great state.”

The 2023 legislative session is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, April 23.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov