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County engineers warn of large maintenance shortfall, urge lifting property tax cap
Summary
The Washington State Association of County Engineers told the Senate panel counties own most of the state’s road network, face an expanding deferred‑maintenance backlog and want legislative action on preservation funding, flexible federal match and easing the 1% property tax cap.
Axel Swanson, managing director for the Washington State Association of County Engineers and a former county commissioner, told senators that counties own the majority of Washington’s roads and carry a growing maintenance gap.
"We are only allowed to do what you tell us we can do," Swanson said, describing counties as agencies of the state that rely on legislative authority for revenue and responsibilities.
Swanson said counties own roughly 59% of the state’s roadways — about 78,000 lane miles (39,000 centerline miles) — and…
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