First, Take Care of Basics!

Failing to maintain the So. Park Bridge in So. Seattle and deferring $90M in maintenance on truck routes in So. King and No. Pierce counties are only two examples of how government too often spends money on new projects before maintaining existing infrastructure. They are also examples of how government too often overlooks freight related projects (or neighborhoods with less political voice , which are often neighborhoods near freight corridors), even though infrastructure and freight corridors support our economy and generate jobs.

The port commission understands timely infrastructure maintenance and prudent financial management are critical to keeping business and generating jobs. That is why the port spent millions transforming aging seaport facilities into competitive terminals; why the commission just voted to spend $55M on new elevators and escalators at SeaTac airport; why the port spent $21M repairing the sections of the seawall it’s responsible for, and recently completed major restoration/maintenance projects at Fisherman’s Terminal and Shilshole Bay Marina. That is also why the commission is beginning to set aside funds now for transportation and environmental projects we know we will have to pay for in 2014-16.

Public agencies can support job generation by maintaining infrastructure, such as bridges and truck routes, and by being fiscally responsible. That’s not as exciting as announcing a new program, but first, take care of basics.