Democrats push $16 billion transportation plan

A $16 billion plan to fund hybrid ferries, high-speed rail and highway maintenance is gaining speed in the Legislature.

“‘Move Ahead Washington’ is a promise to put Washingtonians first,” said Rep. Jake Fey, D-Tacoma, chairman of the House Transportation Committee. “It’s future-oriented while still dealing with the realities people face today. It reflects what people told us they wanted to see in this package.”

Transit programs get $3.1 billion, including $150 million for high-speed rail. Another $3 billion would go toward highway preservation and maintenance.

Fey said the priorities of the package include preserving infrastructure, finishing existing projects and addressing climate change. $1.3 billion would be spent on the construction of four hybrid ferries and electrifying two existing ships.

Lawmakers said the package would also provide money to ensure people 18 and younger can ride for free on public transportation. $1.2 billion would be spent on programs promoting walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements and bike and pedestrian safety programs.

“Making buses, ferries and trains free for our kids will help create a multimodal future for our state,” said Sen. Marko Liias, D-Everett, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

A large part of the plan’s funding, $5.5 billion, would stem from a carbon-pricing program signed into law last year under the Climate Commitment Act. The program, taking effect in 2023, requires the state’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, including refineries, to purchase credits for emissions, if they exceed a cap set by regulators.

President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would provide another $3.4 billion, with an additional $2 billion coming from the state operating budget.

About $2 billion would come from a new 6-cent-per-gallon tax on fuel exported to states with lower gas tax rates than Washington, including Oregon, Alaska and Idaho.