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Sept. 3, 2003
U.S. Senate panel earmarks $8.5 million for King County transportation improvements
The U.S. Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee today approved an $8.5 million allocation to support the purchase of new King County Metro Transit hybrid electric buses, countywide signal synchronization and the replacement of the South Park Bridge.
"Once again, Senator Patty Murray has demonstrated her leadership in securing critical funding for capital improvements that will improve transportation in the congested Puget Sound region," King County Executive Ron Sims said.
"Thanks to her efforts, King County has secured a down payment toward the purchase of a fleet of clean air buses that will accommodate the operation of both buses and light rail in the downtown Seattle tunnel."
The appropriation earmarks $5 million to help support the purchase of new hybrid articulated buses beginning in 2004. Each bus will carry up to 60 passengers while emitting fewer pollutants than comparable transit fleets anywhere in the world.
"This means that in addition to operating our current dual-mode fleet of buses at half the cost, this will also mean cleaner air and more efficient transit operations," Sims added.
The measure also sets aside $1.5 million to synchronized traffic signals in urban areas throughout King County. This work will improve traffic flow in key corridors clogged by local congestion. An additional $2 million will help keep replacement work moving on the South Park Bridge in the Duwamish industrial area.
Following today's action, the appropriations measure will go to the full Senate for consideration. Both the House and Senate will then approve a final compromise measure at the end of September.
Updated: Sept. 3, 2003
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