2010 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
The nine Chambers of Commerce, in Pierce and King counties, comprising our Coalition represent the employers and workers that contribute to the $65 billion dollar economic engine in the cities of Algona, Auburn, Bonney Lake, Burien, Covington, Des Moines, Edgewood, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Fife, Kent, Milton, Pacific, Puyallup, SeaTac, Sumner and Tukwila. Our common mission, to enhance the competitiveness of the businesses in our region, has forged this partnership that seeks proactive solutions to our region’s challenges. With a unified recognition that our region is collectively and strategically vital to international trade and commerce in our State, we have unanimously developed the following 2010 legislative priorities for our South Sound region:
Enhanced Focus on South Sound Transportation Priorities:
A comprehensive regional transportation system capable of efficiently and safely moving people, goods and services remains our top priority. The critical importance of the South Sound in our state and regional economy as a $65 billion economic center is indisputable since the South Sound is home to the distribution center from which goods are delivered to the nation and our state’s citizens and stores. The strength of the South Sound economy requires long overdue investments in a safe, congestion-reducing transportation infrastructure. Extravagant, mega-projects have drawn away important financial resources that would allow the South Sound economic engine to lead Washington out of this recession. The availability of any new funding must be immediately directed towards these transportation projects which will improve not only our South Sound economy, but the state’s economy:
SR167 Extension/Expansion • SR509 Extension (West of SeaTac) • I-5/SR18/SR161 (“Federal Way Triangle”) • SR704 (“Cross-Base Highway”) • SR516 (Kent-Kangley Road) Expansion • SR164 (Auburn-Enumclaw) Expansion
In 2009 the state legislature authorized a detailed financing analysis for SR 167 and SR 509. These analyses must be completed and expanded to include all these critical projects to ensure costs are accurate in our current economy.
Flood Control Infrastructure:
We are deeply and increasingly concerned about the severe regional economic impacts of devastating flooding in our area. We must implement solutions that include:
• The federal government acting immediately to improve the reliability and safety of its flood management infrastructure.
• A comprehensive approach which requires both appropriate emergency response plans and a proactive commitment to invest in river system improvements that will prevent flooding disasters before they happen.
• A stable statewide financing mechanism recognizing the benefits of investing in flood prevention.
• Strategies to assist in the prompt recovery of businesses and residents impacted by flooding.
• Cooperation among Federal, State and Local officials for timely analysis of existing flood control infrastructure which identifies improvements that are most necessary to prevent devastating floods.
Business Climate and Global Competitiveness:
Washington State is facing, quite possibly, the worst sustained economic downturn since the Great Depression. Unemployment rates are climbing and South Sound businesses are struggling to keep their doors open during these difficult times. As we have seen recently with our aerospace industry, other states and countries are in direct competition for our largest and most visible job producers. However, ALL of our businesses are susceptible to the lure of economic advantages offered at locations outside of our borders. It is a simple truth that we are engaged in a constant national and global competition for these precious employers and revenue generators.
To attract and retain jobs, elected officials must ensure that NO policies are enacted that diminish our competitive position in the nation or the world. Now, more than ever, our governments must resist the temptation to impose new taxes or other higher costs on our private sector businesses to balance sagging budgets. Given today’s economic climate, the State must fully engage in the priorities of government process without constraints limiting what can be considered as a function of government.