WASH. DEBATES TRANSPORT TOPICS

As the Washington state legislature heads into a third special session to settle transportation issues, insurance industry representatives are applauding a recently enacted transportation budget bill that includes funding for red-light cameras pilot projects. Washington Governor Gary Locke signed three budget bills that were passed by the legislature last month before the second special session adjourned on June 21. Gov. Locke approved a $22.8-billion operating budget, a $2.5-billion capital budget, and a $3.4-billion “current law” transportation budget. The budgets are intended to fund state activities during the 2001-2003 biennium that began on July 1. Although Gov. Locke signed the transportation budget, which includes four pilot projects for red light cameras, he described it as “woefully inadequate” in the face of serious traffic congestion problems. Locke called for a third special session of the legislature to convene on July 16 to consider a “new law” tax and spending plan for transportation.