Cooperation and Partnership Smooth the Way

The following editorial from the May 5, 2011, Yakima Herald-Republic, not only mentions WTP 2030 but repeats two of the key themes the Transportation Commission has stressed in the last five years. Cooperation and partnership, along with innovation and technology, are necessary ingredients for solving many of the transportation challenges faced by communities, businesses, and governments today .

Cooperation can smooth ride for goods across state

Yakima Herald-Republic

The Cascade Curtain parted a bit in Yakima last week when officials from the Seattle area voiced what folks here have known all along: The Port of Seattle needs Yakima Valley products, and Yakima Valley producers need the port.

The officials, including port CEO Tay Yoshitani, spoke at a roundtable discussion that was part of a statewide tour as the port seeks to work with exporting businesses. The port manages cargo terminals, on Seattle’s waterfront, as well as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Top of mind was the coming cherry crop, a time-sensitive commodity whose exporting success, especially overseas, hinges on efficient air service. But overall freight mobility is also an issue, and that’s where the discussion expands outside the realm of port and producer.

The Seattle area’s familiar struggle with traffic issues is not just a local concern when transportation choke points, whether in highway, rail or air, compromise the ability to move goods from around the state. Also of concern is Snoqualmie Pass, where construction of phase one of the Interstate 90 project between Hyak and Keechelus Dam is under way. When complete, the expanded highway will help speed the way for timely delivery of products from east of the Cascades.

It’s a start, and a good one, but it can’t end there. Higher gas prices and increased auto fuel efficiency have combined to cut fuel consumption and reduce income from state and federal gas taxes. The Washington State Transportation Commission Plan 2030 warns, “By conservative estimates, at least $175 to $200 billion in funding is required to meet statewide needs over the next 20 years.”

State officials say the present gas tax can’t cover the state’s future needs, and that other revenue sources will need to be tapped. Thus we see the $100 annual electric-car fee that the state Senate recently approved, along with discussions of tolls for the second phase of the I-90 project from Keechelus Dam to Roslyn.

Port officials in Yakima last week noted Seattle is constantly competing with other West Coast ports, and a smooth transportation system is essential to keeping Seattle in the game.

As westside officials support and promote future projects — and the revenue sources needed to finance them — they should do so with an eye toward accountability and the most efficient return on our investment. East of the Cascades, naturally tax-skeptical agricultural interests should keep an open mind on investing in projects that could yield huge returns.

With such cooperation, perhaps someday we could drive a truck through the opening in the Cascade Curtain. A truck with Yakima Valley goods, of course.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Sharon J. Prill, Bob Crider, Frank Purdy and Karen Troianello.