Transport Task Force Set Up

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire announced she has formed a task force this week to develop a 10-year investing and funding plan for the state's transportation system.

The Connection Washington Task Force will review statewide transportation needs, recommend projects, and identify revenue sources in a report to be presented to the Legislature in 2012, according to a statement from the governor's office Tuesday.

The task force is made up of elected officials, organized labor, trade associations and businesses, as well as transit, consumer and environmental advocates.

The state's revenues have funded hundreds of transportation projects, the majority of which will be finished or under contract by 2013, the statement said.

After Washington's 2013-2015 biennium, more than 90% of revenue allocated up to then will cover debt service, according to the release.

The governor noted that additional financing is needed to complete projects such as the new 520 floating bridge, the Interstate 5 Columbia River Crossing and the North Spokane Corridor.

The statement said the state's ferry system has a $1 billion hole in its 10-year budget.

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Transportation industry Washington
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