One of the consequences of an uncompleted State Route 167 is that local governments are forced bear the financial burden of infrastructure improvements. One example of this is the 70th Street corridor in Fife. Without a completed SR-167, heavy trucks transiting through the area are forced to navigate surface streets.

In response to this, the City of Fife and other funding partners have invested in nearly $13.5 million to widen and upgrade this critical freight corridor that serves the distribution centers of the Puyallup River valley. While we love the economic growth that comes with both the freight mobility and these investments, one does have to wonder how much better things might be if SR-167 was available as an alternative.

This fact was on many people's mind at today's ribbon cutting ceremony. As state Senator Bruce Dammeier noted, "We are all looking forward to a bigger ribbon cutting when we complete SR-167." Rep. Hans Zeiger agreed: "This is an exciting day and a fun day for the City of Fife. But we need to get 167 done. It is the largest economic development project in the state."

We agree. Fortunately, we have great partners and incredibly patient neighbors, like the citizens of Fife, who understand the big picture. But even then, they have been forced to shoulder the financial burden of infrastructure improvements. Now it is the state's turn. It is now time for SR-167 to be completed.