The 2015 U.S. Open at Chamber’s Bay Golf Course took center stage at the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County lunch Wednesday.

But State Route 167 shared the spotlight briefly during CEO and President Bruce Kendall’s remarks.

“We have got to complete SR 167 to grow this economy,” Kendall said.

The completed highway could fuel job growth to the tune of $10.1 billion, and the economic benefit of saved travel time over 30 years is estimated at $940 million.

Kendall also praised the State Senate for passing a transportation revenue package earlier this week. The package includes finishing state routes 167 and 509 to speed cargo to the state’s two largest ports and ease congestion on Interstate 5. Kendall encouraged attendees to keep the pressure on lawmakers as the bill moves to the House for consideration.

The EDB's fourth annual Golden Shovel Award recognized the collaboration by the ports of Tacoma and Seattle to form a Seaport Alliance.