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WSDOT tells Senate committee preservation backlog, aging fleet require major investment; governor proposes $1 billion for ferries
Summary
Washington Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith and Washington State Ferries leaders told the Senate committee that decades of underfunding have left bridges, terminals and vessels in need of repair and replacement, and that Governor Ferguson’s supplemental budget proposes $1 billion for up to three hybrid electric ferries plus funding to extend older vessels’ service life.
Washington State Department of Transportation leaders told the Senate Transportation Committee on Jan. 15 that preservation and maintenance shortfalls across roads, bridges, terminals and Washington State Ferries threaten reliability and that additional funding will be needed to address an aging system.
"Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost‑effective transportation options," Secretary Julie Meredith said, outlining WSDOT’s priorities and warning that after decades of underfunding the system is not in the shape the public expects. She said the department manages a very large portfolio — she cited a replacement value figure and preservation needs across roads, bridges, ferries, transit and facilities — and stressed that emergency response and routine maintenance draw on the same limited preservation funds.
Meredith…
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