02/24/2026
🚧 House Democrats’ proposed transportation budget is out — and the focus is simple: keep Washington moving safely, reliably, and responsibly.
Today, House Transportation Chair Rep. Jake Fey (D–Tacoma) and Ranking Member Rep. Andrew Barkis (R–Lacey) released the proposed House transportation budget — prioritizing:
✅ Preservation & maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways
⛴️ Ferry construction + reliability so our marine highway works for riders and workers
🚶♀️🚴 Safer travel for everyone — drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists
🌿 Protecting climate & clean air investments, including Climate Commitment Act-supported programs
🐟 Meeting our culvert obligations to restore fish passage and protect waterways
📉 All while being clear-eyed about long-term revenue challenges as fuel tax and vehicle fee revenues trend downward
A few highlights:
+$300M for bridge & highway preservation
$12M to maintain regional mobility during Revive I-5
$14.7M for 7 additional pedestrian & safety connection projects
$135.9M to align ferry capital funds with updated vessel construction timing
$2M for a dedicated ferry preservation & casualty response team
$2M for free youth fares on Amtrak Cascades
$30.5M in federal support for the NEVI EV charging program
💬 Rep. Fey: preserving what we have, investing in ferries, and planning responsibly are essential — especially with major obligations ahead, including the Tribal-State fish passage mediation.
📌 What’s next:
Public hearing: Monday, Feb. 23
Exec action: Wednesday, Feb. 25
House floor vote: Saturday, Feb. 28
Then: conference with the Senate
The proposal totals $16.5B. More details are available in the 2026 House Transportation Supplemental Budget. Find the entire proposal here: https://fiscal.wa.gov/statebudgets/2026proposals/ht2026supp