Governor Inslee spoke to room of transportation advocates from across the political spectrum yesterday, calling on the state legislature to pass a transportation revenue package.

Sharing the stage with House Transportation Committee Chair Judi Clibborn and Senate Transportation Committee co-chair Tracy Eide, the Governor said, "Legislators are sent here to do a job and that includes building a twenty-first century transportation system."

He praised the various stakeholders for the engagement, noting that, "Everyone here has done a great job of helping lawmakers to understand the realm of what is possible."

Inslee discussed the importance of job creation, arguing that "The single best thing you can do to help jobs over the next ten years is to pass this transportation package. That can not be argued with."

"We have got to finish what we started...from SR-167 and SR-509 to 405 to the Snohomish county freight corridor. I believe we're gonna win this year. Lets get this done."

Senator Eide agreed with the sentiment that success is possible this year: "I have been serving on the Transportation Committee every year since I came to Olympia and I have never been a room like this with so many folks representing such a diversity of interests. To get this done we all need to play a role."

She went on to note the importance of State Route 167 to the entire state: "167 and 509 are a top priority not just because of Pierce and King counties, but because they improve access for goods from throughout the state to get to our ports. We are the most trade dependent state and we need to make the investments to ensure we remain competitive. Freight mobility is key to our economic recovery."

Rep. Clibborn wrapped up the event by calling on stakeholders to keep the pressure on lawmakers: "It has been great seeing you all in one place because for the last year I have felt your presence-- in your emails, in your phone calls, in hearings and in my office. We have got to protect our competitive edge. Standing still and doing nothing is losing. The time is now for this revenue package-- this year. It's time for legislative leadership. There will never be a better time."