Transportation Policy Board pressing on advocacy despite state funding challenges  

Despite facing a significant budget shortfall in transportation projects across Washington, the Transportation Policy Board (TPB) is pressing for critical transportation infrastructure needs, particularly in rural communities.  

Veronica Jarvis, a senior planner with the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) provided an update on the state legislative session and the organization's key priorities during a TPB meeting on Feb. 12. 

Legislative priorities

Rural state highways as a main street package: The region has close to 10 safety projects in rural communities, totaling about $30 million.  

Jarvis explained that TRPC wanted to put forward a package of rural safety projects. She noted that the planning council had put this package forward several years ago.

The package of rural safety projects aims to improve traffic flow, enhance active transportation and create safer "main street environments in the communities.  

Interstate 5 to Mounts Road to Tumwater and Nisqually Delta: The planning council is advocating for future bridge replacements to move forward. Jarvis explained that the state is considering pausing or delaying some transportation projects.

"(TRPC) wants to make sure that this is not one of them. It is vital to our region and the partners we have with Nisqually Tribe and the Joint Base Louis McCord (JBLM)," Jarvis said. 

She emphasized the bridge replacement is critical for the traveling public who use the corridor in case it ever faces issues from an earthquake, river or other factors.  

The planning council also advocates for the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO), which has  an increased funding request of $11.7 million.

"We are bringing this up on behalf of those smaller regions that are not able to advocate for their transportation needs," Jarvis added.

However, Jarvis acknowledged the significant challenges facing transportation funding in Washington, including declining gas tax revenues and skyrocketing construction costs, which have increased by as much as 70% in just four years.  

Jarvis said a major hurdle this session is Washington's $1 billion transportation project shortfall, which has already led to delays, including Seattle's Revive I-5 project, now pushed to 2026.  

Jarvis also provided a smattering of the bills she is monitoring during the legislative session, including measures related to housing density, transit-oriented development and minimum parking requirements.  

A significant bill related to regional transportation funding, the Road Usage Charge (RUC), was recently introduced in both legislative chambers.  

According to Reema Griffith, the executive director of the Washington State Transportation Commission, the RUC would charge drivers based on the miles they travel rather than the fuel they consume.

It could provide a more sustainable and equitable funding source, as the state transitions to a cleaner transportation fleet.  

While she noted there are many bills still in play, Jarvis said the planning council is closely watching proposals that could impact local land use planning and zoning authority.