Governor Bob Ferguson's supplemental transportation budget for 2026 offers the back-to-basics approach we've long needed

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Today in Lacey, Governor Bob Ferguson unveiled his proposed supplemental transportation budget for the 2026 session and called on the Legislature to join him in recommitting to the basics, including repaving, painting, slope control, and critical maintenance.

It would be the “largest investment in preservation in any enacted budget of the past twenty years,” Ferguson’s office said in a news release.

“Painting a bridge or sealing a road may not seem very exciting, but it’s like changing the oil in your car or replacing the timing belt,” Ferguson said.

“If you skip that basic maintenance, you could have a catastrophic failure and pay more down the line. That is what these funds are working to avoid. The recent historic flooding underscores how critical this investment is. Taking care of our roads and bridges is good for individuals, communities and our economy.”

https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2025/12/governor-bob-fergusons-supplemental-transportation-budget-for-2026-offers-the-back-to-basics-approach-weve-long-needed.html

[Wounded Bear]

1. Building new shit is sexy. Maintenance of existing shit ain't...

That's the age old problem with infrastructure. Mother Nature loves to show people where they cut corners on maintenance, but people get killed and get their shit fucked up.

Sounds great. Go Bob! Let's hope the legislature agrees.

Article in the Times pointed out how the levies that broke were years behind on proposed maintenance through diversion of funds.