If you are in the business of logistics, success is predicated on your ability to move cargo efficiently from one location to another. As Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and military strategist, once noted, "The line between disorder and order is logistics." Infrastructure investments are essential to successful freight mobility.

This is one of the reasons why Coca Cola Refreshments, which operates a distribution center in Pierce County, sees completion of State Route 167 as being so important. According to the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County, 198 employees work out of their facility (up from 144 just two years ago) which distributes product throughout the region.

Freight mobility is important not only to the logistics of soft drinks, but timber too. Another company supporting completion of the highway is Murray Pacific. As Toby Murray, company president, noted, "This is a HUGE deal for the Port, Tacoma, AND the state!!

How important is improved freight mobility? According to WSDOT, the economic benefit of saved travel time associated with completion of SR-167 is $940 million-- real money for the many employers in Washington state engaged in logistics.