While addressing nearly a dozen local business leaders in Sumner yesterday, Congressman Denny Heck reminded the group about the important connection between transportation investments and economic prosperity.

"Transportation is critical not just for commuters, but also for the manufacturing sector," he said. "If you want your children to grow up and find a job here in our community, the completion of State Route 167 does not play an insignificant role."

The 2014 draft Washington State Freight Mobility Plan illustrates that point: "Manufacturing supply chains are heavily dependent on freight systems and account for $155 billion in gross business income, 24 percent of the total produced in Washington State in 2012."

In other words, if our children want jobs locally, then we need to help local companies get their products to market so that they can grow and be successful.

That means completing SR 167, arguably the most important export corridor in the state of Washington.