HB 1978-S.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that: (1) President Barack Obama and the 111th Congress have enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in an effort to stimulate the American economy, create and save jobs, and speed recovery from one of the deepest economic recessions in recent history. The act includes 492 million dollars in federal transportation funding for Washington state and local highway projects and 179 million dollars for local transit agency improvement projects;

(2) The act includes over 11 billion dollars in new funding for competitive national grant programs for highways of regional significance, ferries, and rail priorities;

(3) Washington state is well positioned to deliver infrastructure projects in one hundred twenty days, as is required for at least half of the state's share of federal stimulus highway funds, and expects to receive additional funds that other states are unable to use in this time frame; and

(4) The state's work to date on projects funded through the "nickel" and "transportation partnership" funding acts means that many regionally significant projects are poised to compete well for nationally available funds.

Declares an intent to revitalize Washington's economy and reduce the state's unemployment rate by quickly putting people to work around the state on projects that promote safety, relieve traffic congestion, and preserve long-term investments that will provide benefits into the future. Such projects will be constructed quickly and will generate a significant number of jobs, thereby strengthening Washington's economy and its families seeking work.