Rep. Clibborn: State is making progress on transportation issues

The state, as most other states across the country, is facing serious budget challenges.

But in today's Bellingham Herald, Rep. Judy Clibborn, chair of the House Transportation Committee, reminds us that our transportation budget is actually in pretty good shape right now. The Legislature recently approved a record $4.74 billion worth of projects around the state, including $341 million in stimulus funding.

This money is not only helping repair and update our infrastructure, but is also putting hundreds of people to work. According to Clibborn, "WSDOT reports that July payroll hours related to these federal funds totaled $5.4 million and resulted in roughly 834 full-time equivalent jobs. The average salary was a good-paying $38 an hour."

Clibborn does point out there are daunting challenges yet to tackle. Of critical concern? "As people drive less and insist on more fuel-efficient vehicles, how do we maintain revenue for a system so reliant on fuel-tax receipts?"

Check out her op-ed in today's Bellingham Herald for more.