Washington transportation package on hold until next session

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee and Washington state legislative leaders say negotiations have failed to produce a new tax package for transportation projects.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Inslee and House and Senate transportation leaders said they’ll take the issue up when lawmakers convene next month for the regular legislative session.

Lawmakers have been struggling all year to reach agreement on a transportation plan. Inslee first wanted one when the Legislature was in session earlier this year, but the Senate declined to take it up for a vote.

Last month, the governor sought an agreement when lawmakers held a special session to approve tax breaks for Boeing. There are a variety of components in the negotiations, but all sides are looking at a deal valued at roughly $10 billion and relying on a large increase in the state’s gas tax – perhaps more than 10 cents per gallon.

Inslee had hoped to settle on a transportation package by the end of the year in order to better make a case that Boeing should build its new 777X line here.

Boeing has said it would like to see transportation infrastructure improvements. The company is soliciting bids from around the country for a location to build the 777X plane.