Washington's $16.6B transportation budget funds bridges but ignores ferry demands
Washington State has approved a $16.6 billion transportation budget, funding key projects while leaving some needs unaddressed. The plan includes repairs for a long-closed bridge in Pierce County and expansions on the state's east side. However, it rejects a proposal for additional ferry funding despite calls from Governor Bob Ferguson.
The new budget allocates $2.5 million to reopen the Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River, which has been closed since last spring. Another $31 million will go towards electrifying ferry terminals in Seattle, Bainbridge, and Clinton.
Lawmakers also doubled funding to $200 million for state highways running through cities, requiring Complete Streets upgrades. Flood-damaged areas will receive $45 million in loans, with expectations of federal reimbursement later. The Legislature authorised $1.3 billion in new debt for projects lasting until at least 2031. This brings the state's transportation-related debt to about 31% of its total $24 billion obligations. However, Governor Ferguson's request for an extra $1 billion to build three new ferries was not included. Washington has 342 bridges aged 80 or older, with 212 rated in poor condition. Yet, none of these structures received full replacement funding in this budget.
The budget funds critical repairs and expansions but leaves some infrastructure gaps. No new ferries will be built, and ageing bridges remain without replacement plans. Projects like the Fairfax Bridge reopening and highway upgrades will move forward under the approved spending.
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