Larry Ehl with Transportation Issues Daily recently noted 68 percent of measures on the general election ballot across the country to increase or extend funding for highways, bridges or transit passed. He also noted, "The outcome was not unusual. The high success rate for transportation ballot measures is becoming the norm: 61% (2010), 78% (2008), 77% (2006) and 76% (2004)."

We know WSDOT has virtually no discretionary funds available to take on new projects-- mega or otherwise. If we want SR-167 completed, we clearly will need a new statewide transportation revenue package. Hopefully lawmakers will take note of this trend.

States (and provinces) throughout North America are racing to invest in their freight infrastructure in an effort to win more jobs for their citizens. It is time for Washington to do the same.