OLYMPIA –  Thanks to efforts by Reps. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam) and Kevin Van De Wege (D – Sequim), the widening of US 101 in Clallam County between Shore and Kitchen Roads will remain on track for completion in the 2013-2015 biennium.   The budget released by the House Transportation Committee today funds the project in the next biennium, which will keep it on schedule. 

The Governor’s Transportation Budget had delayed plans to widen the road from a two-lane highway to a four-lane one by two years.  Kessler and Van De Wege, who represent the 24^th Legislative District, fought to keep the project on schedule and include it in the 2007-2009 biennium budget.

“I voted in favor of the gas tax because I believed this project would be one of the many that would be funded by it,” Kessler said.  “My constituents expect something in return for their tax dollars, and I’m pleased that the current transportation budget includes this vital upgrade to this stretch of roadway.”

Shore Road to Kitchen Road is the last section of undivided two-lane roadway between Sequim and Port Angeles.  The widening project will increase safety and improve traffic flow along US 101.

“There have been far too many tragic accidents along this roadway,” Van De Wege said.  “We cannot afford delays when it comes to the safety of our traveling public.”

The total for the project approaches $50 million.

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For more information:

State Rep. Lynn Kessler (360) 786-7904

State Rep.  Kevin Van De Wege (360) 786-

Websites and print-quality images: www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/kessler/

www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/vandewege/

Media staff contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler (360) 786-7201                     

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell_da@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.