OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate today approved the spending portion of Move Ahead Washington, a 16-year transportation investment package. Senate Bill 5689, the Supplemental Transportation Budget, invests primarily in ferries, backfilling of Connecting WA projects, and preservation and maintenance while Senate Bill 5975 funds carbon reduction initiatives. 

“We are on the verge of a new day in Washington – one that puts people, our environment, and working families at the center of every policy decision we make,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “The projects we are investing in today will help our future generations enjoy this beautiful state for years to come by allowing those 18 and under to ride free on public transit, expanding our networks of transportation, and investing in climate solutions.” 

Move Ahead Washington includes $16.8 billion in investments for projects across the state, including historic levels of funding for public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian safety, road preservation and maintenance, and climate mitigation.  

Investment highlights of SB 5975 include: 

  • Over $4.3 billion in transit, bike and pedestrian investments 
  • $488 million for Alternative Fuel & Electrification 
  • $150 million for Ultra High-Speed Rail 

Highlights of the Supplemental Transportation Budget include:  

  • $3 billion for preservation and maintenance 
  • $1.4 billion over 16 years for previously authorized projects such as I-405/SR 167 Corridor Improvements, SR 520 Seattle Corridor Improvements, and more 
  • $2.4 billion to fulfill Washington’s obligation to replace existing fish passage culverts 
  • $1 billion to fund Washington’s portion of the I-5 Columbia River Bridge 
  • $83 million for equity initiatives  

Full project lists can be found here. The Supplemental Transportation Budget passed the Senate on a bipartisan 41-8 vote, and SB 5975 passed 29-20. Senate Bill 5974, the Move Ahead Washington funding bill, passed the Senate last week.  

Both pieces of legislation will now head to the House for consideration. The 2022 legislative session is set to adjourn March 10.  

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