WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of Washington’s Congressional delegation, led by Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), applauded the inclusion of $3.4 billion in federal funds in the “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package, which State Senator Marko Liias (D-Everett) and State Representative Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) introduced this week. Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined Larsen in signing the letter.

In the letter to Senator Liias and Representative Fey, the lawmakers vowed to work closely with state legislators to ensure Washington communities have the resources needed to invest in critical infrastructure projects, create jobs, drive economic recovery, and build a cleaner and greener transportation network.

“We appreciate your commitment to investing these funds equitably and sustainably, and we are committed to working with you to realize the full promise of IIJA funds included in the “Move Ahead Washington” package,” the lawmakers wrote.

More than 20 percent of funding outlined in the state’s 16-year, $16 billion “Move Ahead Washington” package would come from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which President Biden signed into law in November. In addition to the $3.4 billion included in the state package, state, local and Tribal governments are eligible for competitive grant funding initiatives established or expanded under the federal infrastructure law. For more information on how the IIJA benefits Washington state, click here.

To view the letter, click here and see below.

February 11, 2022

The Honorable Marko Liias                                       The Honorable Jake Fey

305 John A. Cherberg Building                                 415 John L. O’Brien Building

PO Box 40421                                                            PO Box 40600

Olympia, WA 98504                                                  Olympia, WA 98504

Dear Senator Liias and Representative Fey:

We applaud the inclusion of $3.4 billion from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the Legislature’s “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package. These IIJA dollars, which account for more than 20 percent of the funding you outline in the package, is a critical first step toward getting federal infrastructure dollars out to Washington communities to put people to work, drive economic recovery, and build a cleaner and greener transportation network statewide.

We appreciate your commitment to investing these funds equitably and sustainably, and we are committed to working with you to realize the full promise of IIJA funds included in the “Move Ahead Washington” package. To help accomplish this goal, please share any details on the proposed timing of fund allocations and how the state will implement this package.

In addition to the formula funding included in “Move Ahead Washington,” new and expanded competitive grants under the IIJA are available for eligible state, local and Tribal governments. We will continue to work with communities and organizations in our districts to facilitate federal investment in projects that boost manufacturing, create well-paying union jobs, expand equity and drive long-term economic growth.

We congratulate you on the announcement of your proposed Washington transportation package and look forward to working with you to build the future of our state.

Sincerely,

Rick Larsen                                                                            Marilyn Strickland

U.S. Representative                                                                U.S. Representative

Suzan DelBene                                                                       Kim Schrier, M.D.

U.S. Representative                                                                U.S. Representative

Derek Kilmer                                                                         

U.S. Representative

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