This week the Legislature passed its supplemental transportation budget for the 2014 session. While the budget contains no new revenue for significant new investments, Sen. Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, secured funding for two key projects in Mukilteo.
“Our transportation budget is a crucial driver of job creation in our state,” said Liias. “Transportation investment creates jobs today on construction projects and it creates jobs in the future by improving our physical infrastructure and economic climate for decades to come. I’ve made job creation a priority in my time in the legislature, and this year is no different. I was glad to be able to secure this investment in Mukilteo’s economic future.”
The budget directs Washington State Ferries to lease land to the City of Mukilteo for temporary pedestrian access to Edgewater Beach at no cost to the city. This will enable the city to provide safe pedestrian access to the waterfront this summer.
The budget also commits to completing the Mukilteo Park and Ride in the 2015-2017 biennial budget. After securing planning dollars in 2013, this next step guarantees better transit options for commuters in Mukilteo. Until this project moves forward, Mukilteo has been the largest city in Snohomish County without a park and ride. The park and ride will be located on vacant property along the Mukilteo Speedway and will connect to popular Community Transit bus routes to Seattle and the UW.
Mukilteo Mayor Jennifer Gregerson agreed that the projects are key investments in Mukilteo’s infrastructure.
“Pedestrian access to the waterfront has been a high priority for my administration, and I am so grateful to Senator Liias for his leadership in making this happen,” said Gregerson. “In addition, the construction of a new park and ride in the next few years will help Mukilteo residents connect to transit service and improve transportation options for our community.”
The transportation budget now goes to Gov. Inslee’s desk for his signature.
