Local Elected Officials & Organizations, please sign a letter to Governor Ferguson and Legislative leaders to support Keep WA Rolling. Keep WA Rolling is a coalition that advocates for a sustainable transportation financing strategy for:
- Maintenance & preservation
- Ferries
- Transit
- Jobs and economic development
The sign-on deadline is COB Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Sign on is limited to local elected officials and organizations. No individuals, please!
The full text of the letter is below:
Keep Washington Rolling Sign On Letter
Governor Ferguson and Legislative Leaders:
Keep Washington Rolling is a broad, bi-partisan coalition that has advocated for sustained investments in our transportation system since 2005.
We appreciate the investments made over the years in major, much-needed, projects that have reduced congestion, improved safety, and helped our state adapt to a growing population. But for far too long, we’ve underfunded the critical maintenance and preservation needed to keep our transportation system running smoothly.
We are at a pivotal point.
Critical Maintenance, Preservation, Ferry and Transit Needs
According to WSDOT’s recent report to the Legislature, the current pavement preservation backlog is 11,000 lane miles. Each year, an average of 1,400 additional lane miles come due for paving and are added to the backlog. For a large part of the network, preservation options are now limited to major rehabilitation and reconstruction – the most expensive options. The worsening conditions have led to an increase in emergency work. The $10 million spent on emergency repairs in the 13-15 biennium has grown to $80 million in the 25-27 biennium.
WSDOT maintains 3,481 bridges statewide. Of these, 33 bridges currently need replacement, and 80 bridges are projected to need replacement in the next 10 years.
And while we’ve made some progress addressing our aging ferry fleet, without a pathway to build vessels and replenish the fleet, we will need to invest upwards of $1 billion just to keep our 11 oldest vessels in the fleet and maintain service levels.
Transit agencies across the state are facing similar challenges addressing the maintenance and preservation needs of transit stock and stations, increasing operational costs to maintain and expand service, as well as ensuring that service can be provided to the most vulnerable. Without additional state support in closing these gaps, agencies face major bus and paratransit cuts that will hurt seniors, people with disabilities and youth as well as cost jobs. This is especially acute as the Federal Government continues to cut capital support for transit.
Maintaining investments in active transportation programs such as Complete Streets remains critical as we work to improve safety in all transportation modes.
Jobs and Economic Development
Washington is also facing a number of economic challenges. Our unemployment rate – 4.8% - is higher than the national average. Job growth was below the national average in 2023 and 2024 and in 2025 was just 0.5, even with the U.S. average. At the end of 2025, nearly 9,955 union construction workers were out of work, including more than 1,700 apprentices unable to complete their training because of the lack of work.
Washington’s GDP dropped from 4.1% growth in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025. Total personal income growth has dropped every year since 2023 and is below the national average so far in 2026.
Sustained transportation infrastructure and system investments will support job creation and support economic growth, put people to work, move goods more effectively and efficiently, and ensure useable mobility options for all.
Additional investments in preservation and maintenance of our transportation system reduce the risk of costly emergency closures, delays and detours for drivers, transit riders, and freight. These investments also improve safety and mobility for Washingtonians while also supporting our economy – sustaining and creating jobs immediately.
We urge the Governor and Legislature to adopt a sustainable financing strategy to address the maintenance and preservation backlog, adopt a plan to address the challenges in the ferry system, continue to make investments in our transit systems and key transportation corridors - and put people to work.
We stand ready to work with you on this important, and timely, effort.