Governor Inslee Expresses Support for SR-167 as Completion Coalition Grows

More than three dozen new business, labor and community leaders announced their support for completing SR-167 on Jan. 28. They also learned of support for the project from the highest-profile figure in state government: Governor Jay Inslee. 

“This is a very important project for Washington State and its economy. I’m hopeful we can move this project forward with broad support from leaders throughout the region,” said Inslee.

The Governor’s support is welcome news for those in the South Sound, who have been working for decades to complete the project.

The meeting featured updates on the progress towards securing funding in both Olympia and Washington, D.C. The Chair of the State House Transportation Committee, Judy Clibborn, has declared her interest in including the project as part of a statewide transportation package.

“Present for the Coalition meeting were leaders from business, labor, the Puyallup Tribe, and our local government with a single goal of seeing the completion of SR 167.  This is a critical project for our region’s economic growth and it was great to hear that our Governor has thrown his support behind the effort as well,” said Brian Haynes, CEO of Rainier Connect and Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m thrilled that Governor Inslee and so many new South Sound leaders have pledged their support for completing SR-167. Getting the funding to finish this important project will mean more middle class jobs in the South Sound. 2013 is the year to get the funding for SR-167 done,” said Congressman Denny Heck

The next few months will be crucial as the State Legislature works on possibly passing an infrastructure modernization package that would hopefully include SR-167 completion in it. Heck is also working on the federal level to secure support for the project in D.C.

Information provided by consultants for the SR-167 Completion Coalition