Washington State Delivering on the Stimulus Plan
In February 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. WSDOT is delivering. We are using the federal dollars to put people to work in a way that stimulates our economy and also helps maintain our transportation system. In Washington, we call it “Washington Jobs Now.” Washington’s leadership in transportation and our ongoing delivery of 391 projects funded by the 2003 and 2005 state gas tax packages has prepared us to translate the federal recovery funding into job creation.
In selecting projects for funding, we prioritized
- Advancing projects and jobs that would have otherwise been delayed due to funding shortfalls;
- Advancing projects and jobs that would address high priority highway preservation needs
Washington State is ready. Since 2003, WSDOT has delivered hundreds of projects on-time and on-budget. As of March 31, 2009, 284 of 391 projects funded by the 2003 and 2005 gas tax packages are either completed or under construction by this August.
We are working hard to get projects on the road by:
- Shortening advertising dates
- Quickly getting contractors under contract.
- Providing ongoing management and public accountability for the projects
How much will be invested in Washington?
The Federal Highway Administration has provided $492 million for state and local highway projects.
Additional FHWA funding could be available:
- $50 million in National Ferry Transportation System Grants
- $1.5 billion in Supplemental Discretionary Grants for highway mega projects
The Federal Transit Administration has provided $179 million in formula funding to Washington for transit system capital projects.
The Federal Rail Administration will allocate $8 billion in funding later this year.
The Federal Aviation Administration will allocate $1.1 billion in ARRA funds to federal aid airports nationwide. Washington airports will be competing for these funds.
Accountability
The public expects that ARRA stimulus funding will result in jobs. That's why the ARRA has a number of reporting requirements built into the authorizing legislation.
Gov. Gregoire particularly appreciates the accountability measures included in the recovery package. The state must ensure that the money provided by the federal government is going to the right projects and is used in the right way to help our residents and our economy. The Governor has issued an executive order to ensure transparency and accountability as federal funds are distributed in the state.
WSDOT is committed to reporting on the how the ARRA funds are invested in a way that is meaningful and transparent to the public, the Governor, watchdog groups and the federal government.
The ongoing delivery of 391 projects funded by the 2003 and 2005 gas tax packages has helped WSDOT develop a national model for performance management and performance reporting. Since 2002, WSDOT has published a detailed, quarterly performance report, the Gray Notebook. The 100-page report includes detailed project reporting for all of WSDOT’s construction projects. In addition, comprehensive project information is provided on individual project web pages.
Also, WSDOT remains accountable to the Governor on the project details for all projects and modes through the Government Management, Accountability and Performance program (GMAP).
Last revised on January 25, 2010