The start of the new year has prompted editorial writers to once again call on the Washington State Legislature to pass a long-overdue statewide transportation package that includes funds to complete State Route 167.

In its 2015 Agenda for Action, the News Tribune calls on lawmakers to "Unplug traffic" by "...widening the economy-stunting bottlenecks in Washington's transportation system." The ugliest of them all in the News Tribune's opinion? The unfinished six-mile gap between SR 167, which dead ends in Puyallup, and the Port of Tacoma.

Fortunately, transportation seems to be gaining steam this legislative session. Both Sen. Curtis King, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Rep. Judy Clibborn, chair of the House Transportation Committee, penned pieces in today's Seattle Times about what is needed to get a package passed.

While differences remain, supporters of completing SR 167 should be encouraged that lawmakers are talking seriously about a package. Legislators need to continued to build on their good work to date and get a package passed this year.