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Ferguson proposes $2.1 billion preservation package for Washington roads and bridges; ferry expansion also discussed
Summary
Governor Bob Ferguson unveiled a proposal that would dedicate $2.1 billion over the next decade to preservation and maintenance of Washington’s transportation system — including $1.1 billion for bridges and a $164 million paving program this summer — and officials discussed a separate ferry funding plan.
Governor Bob Ferguson on Friday announced a proposed $2.1 billion investment dedicated to preservation and maintenance of Washington’s roads, bridges and related infrastructure, saying the funding would protect safety, reduce long‑term costs and create family‑wage jobs.
"That's why I'm announcing today a historic $2,100,000,000 investment that'll be dedicated to preservation and maintenance of that infrastructure," Governor Bob Ferguson said, outlining a package that includes $1.1 billion targeted to bridges, $164 million for paving this summer and roughly $756 million more for paving over the next decade, plus about $160 million for slope control and other projects.
The proposal arrives in the wake of recent, large‑scale storm damage statewide. Ferguson said delayed maintenance increases later repair costs and cited WSDOT condition data to make his case: 342 bridges are at or past an 80‑year expected life span and 80 of those are rated in poor condition. He said the funds would be borrowed using the state's bonding capacity and existing revenues rather than by raising new taxes.
Julie Meredith, secretary of transportation for the Washington State Department of Transportation, said the agency is shifting from storm response to recovery and is prepared to deliver the projects if the Legislature provides funding. "This investment is critical, responsible, and the right thing to do," Meredith said, adding that preservation funding must remain flexible to address emergent needs revealed by the recent storms.
Industry and local officials emphasized economic and human impacts. Heather Kurtenbach, executive secretary of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, said the investment would create apprenticeship and family‑wage jobs. Anthony Wright, mayor‑elect of Enumclaw, described the cascading local impacts when a bridge closes — businesses losing revenue, employees laid off or quitting, and reduced access to health care — and credited WSDOT emergency work for restoring access in his community.
Officials also discussed separate investments for Washington State Ferries. Steve Nevi, deputy secretary for Washington State Ferries, said the system currently has 21 vessels and the governor’s budget proposes a 24‑vessel fleet so newer boats can come online while older vessels are retired. Reporters pressed for numbers and structure of ferry financing; officials said ferry funding and the preservation package are separate budget items and that detailed bond and timeline questions would be answered in follow‑up discussions with legislative leaders.
Ferguson made clear the proposal is an administration request that now goes to the Legislature, and that project‑level allocations would be determined through conversations among WSDOT, the governor’s office and lawmakers. "This budget doesn't say this amount of money goes to this structure. That's not how the process works," he said. The administration said it will provide additional details, including the amounts already obligated on emergency contracts and further breakdowns of bond timing, in follow‑up briefings.
