Stimulus News You Can Use is one way WSDOT is working to keep transportation stakeholders updated on the fast-moving effort to put people to work and improve the state’s infrastructure. Each edition will have information on project delivery and highlights. Sign up to receive stimulus news e-mail updates . Visit the Newsletter Archive for earlier editions.

This week's stimulus update 

Washington Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond today applauded Vice President Joe Biden’s announcement and the Obama administration’s broad vision for investing in the nation’s transportation system, including $53 billion over six years for high-speed rail. Hammond attended the Biden event in Philadelphia representing the States for Passenger Rail Coalition, which she chairs.

“We look forward to the commitments made in the president’s State of the Union address and recognition of an integrated transportation system that includes infrastructure investment, not only for rail, but for highways, bridges, ferries and runways,” said Hammond.

“An integrated system that supports transit and rail gives people transportation options. Just as important is federal funding for projects of national significance in Washington state such as the new I-5 Columbia River bridge, the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass corridor, and I-405 improvements – and the jobs they create.”

“Washington’s future economic competitiveness is threatened by increased highway congestion and declining roadway conditions,” she said. “A recovered economy will depend on an integrated transportation system that works for everyone.”

Recently completed projects:
WSDOT – I-5/SR 501 Ridgefield Interchange – Stage 1
Camas – Leadbetter Drive/Lake Road to Parker Street
Arlington – Gifford Ave Sidewalks
University Place – Intermodal Transit Facility – Phase 2

Highway stimulus delivery (dollars in millions)

Electric vehicle charging stations coming in 2011

Federal Recovery Act funding of $1.32 million is helping Washington prepare for the 300,000 electric vehicles anticipated on its roads during the next 10 years.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the state Department of Commerce have teamed to deliver a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in charging zones along I-5 and U.S. 2.

Funding is provided by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars administered through the State Energy Program. The EV charging stations project meets State Energy Program and Recovery Act funding goals to save energy, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and invest in transportation and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits.

See a recent edition of WSDOT’s Express Lane for more information about charging stations.


Recovery Act reporting updates – The federal Recovery.gov website posted WSDOT’s latest quarterly reports on stimulus funding and project delivery on January 30. The companion report to the state Office of Management and Budget has also been completed and is published at recovery.wa.gov.

Transportation funding news online – The WSDOT Federal Transportation Issues blog is keeping tabs on the opening of the congressional session and what it means for Washington projects. Check regularly for updates on the Highway Trust Fund and the 2011 federal budget.


Recovery Act employment update: