Over 200 representatives of business, labor and local governments rallied on the steps of the state legislature this morning in support of a transportation revenue package. Speakers called out the importance of urgently investing in transportation-- particularly SR-167-- as the crowd chanted, "Pass it now!"

Highlighting the united front in support of transportation, Congressman Denny Heck said, "If the longshoremen and the commissioners of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma can get together on this, the Legislature ought to be able to get together on this. If the House of Labor and the chambers of commerce can get together on this, then the Washington State Legislature ought to get together on this!"

Governor Inslee also spoke of the need for urgent action. "We need to complete SR-167 so that it is no longer a road to nowhere, but instead, a road to a growing Port of Tacoma," he said.

Other notable quote from the day:

"There isn't a legislative district in Washington that doesn't export something. Every district has an interest in the success of our ports."

- House Transportation Committee Chair Judy Clibborn.

"With expansion of the Panama Canal, competition for trade will be extreme. Completion of SR-167 is critical to ensure we remain competitive."

- Senate Transportation Co-Chair Tracey Eide

"Some say we can wait another year or two. I say the wait is over. It is time to get a move on. We could wait another year but Port Metro Vancouver BC is not waiting. We could wait another year by the Port of Price Rupert is not waiting. We could wait another year by the Panama Canal Authority is not waiting. We could wait another year but the Port of Norfolk, Baltimore, New York/New Jersey-- they aren't waiting. We've waited long enough."

- Rep. Hans Zeiger

"Completing those two projects is the most important thing we can do to develop the economy both short-term and long-term. There is nothing more important that we can do than to make sure our ports are vibrant."

- Senator Bruce Dammeier

"We're not done building the infrastructure of the Western United States. I want my kids and grandkids to look at me and say they built it just like their parents and grandparents did"

- John Parrot, President of Totem Ocean Trailer Express

"Transportation is not a partisan issue. It is not a Republicans or Democrats. It's not a west or an east issue. It is not a represented or unrepresented issue. It is an economic and quality of life issue for everyone in Washington state."

- Dave Meyers, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council

"Do not let them off the hook!"

- Scott Mason, president of ILWU Local 23

"We've got competition today from Canada and tomorrow from the Panama Canal. This not about freight corridors, this is about job corridors."

- Port of Tacoma Commissioner Don Meyer

"We should never call a Washington port discretionary. They are our job creators. Our ports need freight access.

- Port of Seattle Commissioner Tom Albro