Larry Ehl with Transportation Daily reports on a study from economists that contends each dollar invested in transportation projects can have a multiplier of 1.5 to 8.

 

How does that dollar multiply? As Larry notes, "The researchers don’t examine that specifically, but we know. In just one example, the dollar multiplies through construction companies purchasing equipment and materials, and hiring or retaining workers who buy things they wouldn’t if unemployed. And these days, far too many construction workers private and union – are unemployed. And this doesn’t even take into account how the completed projects help move people and goods faster, safer and cleaner."

 

We know the multiplier likely will hold true for SR-167. As we wrote about before, WSDOT estimates the project will generate 948 direct jobs and up to 1,990 indirect jobs per year of construction. In terms of permanent jobs, a completed SR-167 could fuel job growth to the tune of $10.1 billion.