Sen. Drew MacEwen, Rep. Dan Griffey, and Rep. Travis Couture say the supplemental capital and transportation budgets include important investments for the 35th District, led by a major win in keeping the Highway 3 Freight Corridor project on track.
The lawmakers said protecting the Highway 3 project was a top priority this year after the governor’s proposed budget, released in December, included cuts to the long-term project.
“Early indications suggested this project might face further delays or be pushed down the priority list. I am deeply grateful that our voices were heard and that the approved transportation plan recognizes the urgency of this work,” said MacEwen, R-Shelton. “For far too long, our commuters and local businesses have dealt with grueling congestion that does more than just waste time; it compromises the safety of our community. By prioritizing the Highway 3 Freight Corridor, we are delivering a safer, more efficient route that supports our local economy and ensures our first responders can move through the region without delay. Keeping this project on track is a big deal.”
The 35th Legislative team worked together to ensure the cuts proposed in the governor’s budget did not make it into the final budget, and they secured nearly $44 million in this budget to help keep one of the district’s most important long-term transportation projects moving.
The lawmakers also pointed to the Mason County 911 modernization and relocation project as one of the biggest capital budget wins for the district.
“When someone calls 911, every second matters,” said Griffey, R-Allyn. “This is a critical investment for public safety and for the people behind the scenes who help save lives every single day. And keeping the Highway 3 project on track is critical for our communities, so I knew the moment I saw the governor’s proposal that it was time to get to work and make sure the project kept moving through the House transportation budget process. I am proud of that work and to see it reflected in the final budget.”
Couture said the supplemental budgets include several other meaningful investments across the district.
“These projects ensure every dollar we spend gets results in ways that matter for the future of our district and our communities,” said Couture, R-Allyn. “That includes keeping key freight and safety projects like Highway 3 moving forward while also investing in critical infrastructure across the district. From a modern 911 center and stable power grids to the water systems that support our growing neighborhoods, these projects will make life in the 35th District more affordable and safer.”
Other key transportation and capital budget items for the 35th District include:
- SR 3/Belfair Area widening and safety improvements, Phase 2 – $42.6 million
- Wallace Kneeland and Shelton Springs Road intersection improvements – $300,000 now, plus $2.85 million in 2027-29
- US 101/SR 3 safety jersey barriers – $2 million
- Skokomish timber land acquisition – $2.02 million
- Squaxin Island Tribe paratransit support program – $1.4 million
- Squaxin Transit Service Support – $464,000
- Community preservation, education, and economic development – $968,000
- Mason County 911 modernization and relocation – $433,000
- Mason PUD 1 grid resilience projects – $103,000
The final operating and transportation budget updates also include millions in additional funding for the Washington State Patrol toxicology lab – a priority the three lawmakers fought to secure. The new funding is a major step toward addressing the huge DUI case backlog and helping keep roads safe.