Transportation project bonding reform bill receives public hearing
A bill that would reduce the state bonding timeline for transportation projects from 30 years to 15 years received a public hearing March 25. House Bill 1989 was sponsored by Rep. Mark Hargrove, R-Covington.
House Bill 1989 is one of several transportation project reform proposals introduced by House Republicans in the state House of Representatives. The goals of measures like this bill are to rein in projects costs and enhance accountability in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
“I'm in the process of refinancing my home right now, and I opted for a fifteen-year mortgage instead of a thirty year, so I'll pay much less over the term of the loan and my children and grandchildren won't be left with my mortgage to pay,” said Hargrove, who serves as the assistant lead Republican on the House Transportation Committee. “This bill will do the same for the state's transportation projects.”
Hargrove also supports House Bills 1978, 1979, 1986, 1987 and 1988, which would shine light on such costly errors as the 520 Bridge, focus on project priorities – not expensive add-ons – streamline permitting and further the goals of transparency and accountability within WSDOT and the transportation projects the agency oversees.
