Your chance to comment on transportation needs

You can share your views about transportation needs with Senate Transportation Committee members at public forums on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in Bellevue and Monday, Oct. 14 in downtown Seattle.

These “listening sessions” are part of a statewide tour hosted by the Washington State Department of Transportation. At least half of each meeting will be dedicated to public comment, and unincorporated road users are encouraged to share their stories.

Meeting details
Bellevue
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6-9 p.m.
Stevenson Elementary School
14220 NE 8th St

Downtown Seattle
Monday, Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m.
King County Courthouse, Room 1001
516 3rd Ave, 10th Floor

The forums are a follow-up to the 2013 legislative session. The legislature considered a transportation funding package but did not pass a bill.

The tax system that funds King County roads is broken putting unincorporated roads and bridges at risk.  A combination of annexations, lower property valuations and a decline in gas tax revenue has had a deep and dramatic impact on King County’s road system in recent years. While the county has prudently managed its system by caring for the most pressing problems that affect the most people – even this heightened level of triage is no longer enough to manage the decline today or in the years ahead. Learn more about King County road’s funding and what’s at risk.

Local elected officials and a coalition of community leaders are committed to seeking funding for transit and other local transportation needs as part of a statewide package.

County Executive Dow Constantine and Governor Jay Inslee recently issued a joint call for action on transportation. Inslee said that if legislators can hammer out a transportation package, he’ll call a special legislative session in November. Read the Governor’s statement.