Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced today that the economic recovery package being considered in the House could bring as much as $847 million in transportation funding to Washington state to modernize our roads, bridges and transit and create local jobs.

Larsen and other members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held in a hearing this morning to examine how infrastructure investment contributes to job creation and economic recovery, and to address investments in highways, bridges, public transportation and other infrastructure as part of the economic recovery package that is heading for a vote in the House as early as next week.

“The economic recession has come home to Washington state,” said Larsen. “Our state unemployment rate took the biggest jump in 30 years last month and more of my constituents are having a hard time finding family-wage jobs.  Now is the time to invest in job creation and long-term economic recovery.”

In the past several months, Larsen has met with local leaders and constituents across the 2nd District to hear how an economic recovery package can make the right investments to strengthen our local economy and help families who are struggling.

As the new Congress comes into session, Larsen has brought local input from these community meetings to Congress and urged congressional leaders to include provisions to ensure local input in how federal dollars are spent to modernize local roads, bridges and transit, and to ensure that the legislation provides for immediate job creation (funds obligated within 120 days) and longer-term job growth (funds obligated within 6-18 months).

Both provisions are included in the draft legislation being considered in the House. Of the $30 billion included to modernize roads, highways and bridges across the country, $20.5 billion – or approximately two-thirds – will go to state governments to distribute.  An additional $7.4 billion will go directly to local planning organizations.  Larsen continues to work to secure funding for ferries as part of the economic recovery package.

The House legislation includes the following funding for Washington state:

• $847,078,890 in total funding to modernize Washington state infrastructure
• $529,547,455 for highways, roads and bridges
• $216,584,501 to construct and maintain public transit 
• $100,946,934 for wastewater treatment to provide clean water
  

“Modernizing Washington state’s roads, bridges and transit will be a key part of getting our economy moving again,” Larsen continued.  “I am pleased that this legislation not only creates jobs and helps our economy recover, but also demands unprecedented transparency and accountability and creates an economic recovery website so the American public can see how their money is being spent.”

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