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Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt speaks on Aug. 8 at the I-5 bridge site celebrating the progress of the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement effort and the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s contribution of $1.5 billion to the effort.
The century-old bridge connecting Washington and Oregon over the Columbia is due for replacement. Washington and Oregon have committed $1 billion apiece to the $6 billion project, and the federal government is helping bridge the gap. On Thursday, leaders and lawmakers gathered to celebrate a $1.5 billion award from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Bridge Investment Program.
Over 76,000 bridges across the country require replacement, but the I-5 bridge is not most bridges. Over 143,000 vehicles and $132 million in goods cross daily. It’s a vital connection for the regional economy, but it’s rated as one of the worst truck bottlenecks on the West Coast. The bridge’s importance and condition earned it the largest award from the BIL Bridge Investment Program, one of the most ambitious federal infrastructure projects in history.
“We are making the single-largest dedicated investment in bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “It's helping to reinvest in our nation's infrastructure and ensure vital connections for Americans that will improve safety, boost their quality of life, and deliver a transportation system that works for everyone.”
In December, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $600 million award for the project from its Mega grant program. Thanks to these recent federal contributions, the IBR project piggy bank is starting to fill up. Washingtonians have their congressional delegation to thank for that progress.
“Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell, and Rep. Maria Gluesenkamp-Perez are delivering for WA. They've secured billions of dollars to keep the I-5 bridge replacement project on track,” tweeted Gov Jay Inslee. “Their efforts are a boon for our economy and for the ties that bind the Pacific Northwest together.”
“I have championed this project just about as long as I have been in the Senate. That was back in the early 1990s—and it was already in sore condition,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “And not only is this bridge overcrowded, not only is it over one hundred years old, it is also underprepared for an earthquake—which is not exactly an uncommon risk here. Traffic is frustrating enough—but that is downright dangerous.”
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Two new state rebate programs are shrinking utility bills and car payments for Washingtonians.
Last month, the state Department of Commerce announced the Washington Families Clean Energy Credits grant program. This program offers $200 energy bill credit to 675,000 eligible households statewide – about 20% of the population. Utility customers already enrolled in bill assistance programs will automatically receive the credit, and other customers who meet eligibility requirements can apply online in just minutes. Utilities must distribute all credits by September 15, so folks who think they might be eligible should apply soon. This “Clean Energy Credits” program is funded by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
Another newly-launched program is making popular electric cars more affordable. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program will knock up to $9,000 off a lease or up to $5,000 off the purchase of a new EV. Rebates are also available for used EVs. The program is among the nation’s most generous EV rebates, bringing monthly payments down to $200 or less for at least seven models. Washingtonians earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level qualify: $45,180 annually for a single person or $93,600 for family of four. The program was funded by the Legislature from the state’s general fund.
“No one should be left behind in the drive toward electric,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, and the most impacted communities have the fewest alternatives. By creating more options to drive electric, this program will help individuals and the state move toward a healthier future.”
Interested drivers can visit waevinstantrebates.org to learn about eligibility and participating dealerships.
Biden-Harris administration boosts economic development in the Olympic Peninsula
The U.S. Economic Development Administration announced this week they would provide $35.6 million to strengthen the timber and maritime industries and drive up employment in the Olympic Peninsula. Funding will build on the work undertaken by communities in Clallam and Jeferson counties, as well as Tribes in the Pacific Northwest.
Baby on board! WSF employees help a passenger through labor
There was a special delivery on board the Samish on Tuesday. When a woman on board went into labor just before the vessel’s scheduled departure from Lopez Island for Anacortes, passengers and WSF crew jumped into action. They moved her to the medical room and, before an ambulance arrived to help with the delivery, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce. Both mother and baby are doing well.
Wildfires threaten Washington communities
Several dangerous wildfires are ongoing in Washington state. On Friday, Aug. 2, Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation to bolster firefighters’ efforts to contain wildfires across the state. The order also called the Washington National Guard to active status in case they are needed, though the state Department of Natural Resources presently has adequate resources. The state Department of Revenue also announced tax relief for wildfire-affected communities this week. Businesses may benefit from a tax-filing extension, and they may be granted a waiver of penalties for late filings. Homeowners whose properties were damaged or destroyed can request property tax reductions.
Combatting misinformation ahead of elections
Washington’s Secretary of State Steve Hobbs joined his counterparts from four other states to ask the CEO of X to ensure users are directed to accurate information regarding elections. The platform, formerly known as Twitter, recently unveiled a new artificial intelligence tool that has begun generating false information about both the primary and general elections. Reliable, accurate information regarding help with voting can be found at the nonpartisan government website CanIVote.org.
Senate budget proposal would sustain Hanford cleanup momentum
The long-underfunded cleanup effort at the Hanford Site has enjoyed renewed federal support lately. In March, the Hanford Site got a $205 million funding increase in the federal budget signed by President Joe Biden after twelve state agencies and organizations co-signed a letter to the president urging appropriate federal investment in the cleanup. This week, the U.S. Senate proposed a budget with $303 million in new funding, raising the total investment to $3.34 billion over the next fiscal year. As recently as fiscal year 2021, the Hanford budget was about $2.6 billion, just 57% of the $4.56 billion estimated by the state Department of Ecology to be compliant to the Tri-Party Agreement for Hanford signed in 1989.
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