Greater Spokane Incorporated Opposes I-985 on November Ballot

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 08, 2008 -
(Spokane, Wash.) – The Greater Spokane Incorporated Board of Trustees has voted to oppose Initiative 985 because it diverts transportation dollars out of this Eastern Washington region and creates new state governmental bureaucracy.  I-985, the Reduce Traffic Congestion Initiative, will be on the November 4th general election ballot.  

Wayne Williams, immediate past chair of the Board, said: “this initiative funnels needed transportation tax dollars out of our region into the high traffic congestion areas of Western Washington and will require about $120 million annually be taken out of the state general fund – which pays for schools, health care, and other priorities in Eastern Washington – and put directly into Puget Sound road projects.”

President & CEO Rich Hadley outlined several concerns citied by the Board:

Negative fiscal impact:  The state’s Office of Financial Management estimates that I-985 would – over 5 years - redirect $622 million in state, regional, and local funds directly into congestion relief activities in central Puget Sound.  This initiative will increase the projected statewide budget deficit by about $290 million during the 2009-2010 biennium and by another $284 million in the 2011-2013 biennium.    

Creates new governmental bureaucracy:  I-985 mandates that all cities and towns across the state synchronize traffic signals, then tasks the state Auditor’s Office with identifying and setting performance benchmarks for each city, along with tracking the progress of each of these individual cities or towns.  OFM estimates this cost at $66 million over 5 years.  

No recognition of transportation alternatives:  This initiative mandates that these funds cannot be spent on bike paths or bike lanes, park and ride lots, trolleys, buses, or light rail.  All of these alternatives are used every day to relieve traffic congestion and lessen the impact of single occupancy vehicles on the road.  

“In conclusion”, Hadley commented, “I-985 is just plain bad for Spokane and Eastern Washington.  That’s why the Board of Greater Spokane Incorporated is unanimously opposed to this initiative.”