Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 22, 2002
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Locke signs legislation for second Tacoma Narrows Bridge
OLYMPIA -
Gov. Gary Locke today signed legislation that will allow the financing and construction of a second
Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Engrossed House Bill No. 2723, sponsored by state
Reps. Val Ogden, Phil Rockefeller, Patricia Lantz, Brock Jackley, William Eickmeyer, Kathy Haigh and
Maralyn Chase, modifies the
Public-Private Transportation Initiatives Act to provide greater flexibility for state financing and administration of toll facilities.
The legislation is intended to result in better use of public resources, lower financing costs and potential savings to taxpayers.
“For over a year, this project has been fully permitted and ready for construction,” said Locke. “Now that the Legislature has finally agreed to a financing structure, construction can begin this spring.”
The governor thanked
United Infrastructure of Washington for its patience during the past eight years as the
Legislature worked through its differences over financing the Public-Private Initiatives program.
Locke also thanked the many legislators who worked long and hard on the project, including
U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, who participated in the bill-signing ceremony.
“Congressman Dicks: Thank you for joining us today and for your stalwart leadership in Congress,” the governor said. “Through all the twists and turns this project took, one thing was always certain -- your commitment to make this project a reality.”
The governor thanked state
Rep. Ruth Fisher for her unwavering commitment to transportation. Although Fisher, who recently announced her retirement, was unable to attend the ceremony, Locke expressed his appreciation for her many years of service.
“Representative Ruth Fisher has been a visionary leader in transportation,” Locke said. “She shepherded through the original PPI act in 1993, in part because the state was in need of innovative ways of financing expensive transportation infrastructure.”
The governor added that the need for such innovative financing solutions is even greater today, especially on mega-projects like Interstate 405, the Alaskan Way Viaduct and replacement of the 520 Bridge.
Locke thanked state
Sens. Betti Sheldon and
Bob Oke and
Rep. Patricia Lantz for their support of the project “through thick and thin, always with an eye toward the future of your districts and your constituents. Thank you for your patience and diligence.”
The governor also acknowledged the efforts of state
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen and
Reps. Val Ogden, Brock Jackley, Phil Rockefeller, Kathy Haigh, Frank Chopp and
Beverly Woods.
In addition, Locke recognized
State Treasurer Mike Murphy, who attended the ceremony, for his help with the financing aspects of the bill.
Locke thanked the members of the state
Department of Transportation for their perseverance, especially
Secretary Doug MacDonald,
Jerry Ellis, director of the economic partnerships office, and the WSDOT staff members who “helped this project reach this milestone.”
Finally, the governor thanked his
transportation policy advisor, Andrew Johnsen, Office of Financial Management Director Marty Brown and other members of the OFM staff including
Doug Vaughn for their hard work and diligence.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, let’s sign this legislation,” Locke concluded. “Let's build a Tacoma Narrows Bridge!”
Related Links:
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Washington State Legislature
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Bill Information
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Washington State Department of Transportation
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Office of Financial Management
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Office of the State Treasurer
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U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks
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Rep. Ruth Fisher (D-27)
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Sen. Betti Sheldon (D-23)
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Sen. Bob Oke (R-26)
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Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10)
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Rep. Patricia Lantz (D-26)
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Rep. Val Ogden (D-49)
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Rep. Brock Jackley (D-26)
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Rep. Phil Rockefeller (D-23)
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Rep. Kathy Haigh (D-35)
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Rep. Frank Chopp (D-43)
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Rep. Beverly Woods (R-23)