WashingtonSB 60052025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

167 provisions identified: 137 benefits, 11 costs, 19 mixed.

Flood relief for displaced RV households

The law provides $2 million for Military Department grants of up to $25,000 per eligible household for RV flood damage. The RV must have been the household's primary home, and insurance must not have covered the damage or loss. Household income must be at or below 80% of the county's area median income. During the 2025–2027 budget period, the legislature can use excess RV Account money for this relief program.

Flood relief for vehicle-based homes

Beginning March 31, 2026, the law funds a $2 million vehicle flood relief program through the Washington Military Department. Owners can apply for grants up to $25,000 for recreational vehicles, motor homes, campers, or travel trailers. The vehicle must have been their primary home and significantly damaged or destroyed by the December 2025 weather events. Applicant income must be no more than 80% of the area median income in their county. Insurance must not cover the damage or loss.

Recruitment bonuses for new state troopers

The law provides $3.644 million for State Patrol recruitment incentives, administration, and outreach during the 2025–2027 budget period. Eligible cadets get $5,000 after academy completion and $5,000 after completing one year of probation. Eligible lateral hires previously employed as general authority peace officers get $8,000 after accelerated training. They get another $6,000 after one year of service and $6,000 after two years. Spending requires an agreement between the governor or designee and the employees' bargaining representative.

Purchase vouchers for zero-emission commercial vehicles

The law provides $125.851 million for point-of-sale vouchers for qualifying zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment, including program staffing and administration. Eligible categories include on-road classes 2b–8 and qualifying cargo-handling and off-road equipment; individual voucher amounts are not stated. An experienced outside administrator must operate the program under transportation department oversight, using the Joint Transportation Committee’s recommended design. The design must include simple eligibility, coordinated incentives, equity enhancements, a central portal, fleet assistance, and voucher preapproval. School buses and transit vehicles eligible for state zero-emission grants cannot get vouchers, but can receive fleet assistance.

Fish passage work gets billion-dollar funding

The law provides $1.083185 billion across six accounts for the Fish Passage Barrier Removal project. The transportation department must coordinate watershed work with the Brian Abbott fish passage barrier removal board. It must track barrier locations, habitat gains, and compliance costs and report federal funding twice yearly. State and local funds can help match eligible federal culvert grants, but cannot compromise full compliance with the federal court order by 2030.

More transportation money for local communities

The law raises local transportation capital funding for 2025–2027 from $962.694 million to $1.012746 billion. Money is limited to projects in the updated legislative project document, except where the law provides otherwise. Fuel-tax distributions to cities and counties also rise from $443.86 million to $458.371 million. Those distributions follow existing statutory formulas.

More ferry construction and ticketing funding

The law raises 2025–2027 ferry capital funding from $893.712 million to about $1.030 billion. Money must support projects in the updated state transportation project list, except where the law allows otherwise. It also provides $6.471 million to modernize ferry ticketing and reservations. The department must prioritize ORCA, Good to Go!, and mobile payment integration as early as possible. This funding does not set new fares.

More money preserves highways and bridges

Highway preservation funding rises from $903.386 million to $1.308405 billion. Major funding sources include $456.644 million from Move Ahead WA and $665.864 million in federal Motor Vehicle Account funds. Unless otherwise allowed, state and federal Motor Vehicle Account spending follows the March 10, 2026, LEAP highway preservation project list. Federal money gained through efficiencies, forecast changes, or redistribution must support highway and bridge preservation. The department can move Highway System Preservation funds to listed high-priority preservation projects when needed for completion, reporting transfers in its next budget request.

Fuel refund and transfer funding falls

The Treasurer's funding for motor vehicle fuel tax refunds and required transfers falls from $1.877014 billion to $1.797289 billion. This account funding change does not itself change household refund eligibility or refund amounts.

Transportation debt funding shifts and falls

Transportation bond repayment funding falls from $1.751621 billion to $1.733352 billion. Several accounts receive less, while Puget Sound Gateway, Transportation Improvement Board, and Toll Facility accounts receive more. The law adds $1.5 million from Move Ahead WA. Up to $5.5 million of Toll Facility debt funding can come from specified authorized bond proceeds. Another $3.174 million is reserved for specified Transportation Improvement Board bond prepayments and debt service.

E-bike rebates help qualifying buyers

The law provides $9.002 million to continue e-bike purchase rebates. Eligible buyers age 16 or older can get up to $1,200 when household income is no more than 80% of county area median income. Other eligible buyers can get up to $300. Purchases must come from qualifying retailers and follow the program's purchase, application, and reimbursement requirements.

More funding for free youth trains

Funding for free youth Amtrak Cascades travel rises from $2 million to $5 million. Riders age 18 or younger travel fare-free on covered trips within Washington. The provision sets no program end date.

More identification help for Pacific islanders

The law raises REAL ID support from $300,000 to $750,000 for Washington residents from three Pacific island nations. Residents must be citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. Support includes culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach and navigator help obtaining federally accepted identification. Financial help can cover identification documents, including foreign passports. That financial help is limited to residents receiving or eligible for Title 74 public assistance, or participating in or eligible for Washington's WIC program.

Cheaper transit passes for college students

The law provides $3.12 million to King County Metro and $200,000 to Kitsap Transit for affordable college-pass pilots. Participating community and technical colleges must lack an existing affordable pass program; Metro must include Highline Community College. Passes must serve students seeking degrees or certificates and students in inclusive postsecondary education programs, with free or reduced fares for qualifying students. Metro can use no more than $120,000 for setup and administration. Agencies must report participation and subsidy analysis by January 30, 2027.

Driving cost help for foster youth

The licensing department transfers $1.1 million each from Highway Safety and Move Ahead WA Flexible funds for foster-youth driving support. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families receives the $2.2 million total. Support can cover driver education, insurance, roadside assistance, registration, towing, maintenance, gas, and other safe, legal driving costs. Driver education reimbursement is available to foster youth of any eligible age. This help adds to existing required services; no per-person amount is stated.

Training and housing help for job seekers

The law provides $2 million in Motor Vehicle funds and $5.4 million in Move Ahead WA Flexible funds for workforce diversity. Funding supports PASS and COMPASS preapprenticeships and minority- and women-owned highway construction businesses. The programs can provide housing help to youth leaving foster care or juvenile rehabilitation to support transportation preapprenticeship participation. They can also help participants get maritime documents and Coast Guard certification. Individual housing assistance is not guaranteed.

New contracting standards for small businesses

State offices must develop certification size limits of $3 million in gross receipts for emerging businesses and $10 million for rising businesses. They must review all state-funded contracts over $50 million for small-business participation goals. Their report and recommendations to the state budget office and transportation committees are due November 1, 2025. Up to $75,000 is available for Western Washington University to study the economic benefits of using small businesses on transportation projects. These steps do not guarantee contracts or direct payments to businesses.

More funding for safer school routes

The law funds Safe Routes to School projects with $28.865 million in federal vehicle-account money. It also provides $70.004 million in carbon-reduction funds and $18.548 million in multimodal funds. Up to 1% of the carbon-reduction funds can pay for program staff and administration. These funds support school-route safety projects, not payments to families.

More funding for State Patrol operations

The State Patrol’s 2025–2027 budget rises from $755.799 million to $772.868 million. The law provides $11.337 million solely for replacing and upgrading its land mobile radio system and related work. Progress and outcome reports are required twice yearly beginning January 1, 2026. Separately, the Motor Vehicle Account transfer to the State Patrol Highway Account rises from $130 million to $137.5 million. The transfer does not name specific new services.

More funding for walking and biking

The law provides $51.227 million in multimodal funds and $63.885 million in carbon-reduction funds for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects. Up to 1% of the carbon-reduction funds can pay for staff and administration. Another $5 million addresses urgent pedestrian and bicycle safety problems, with state budget office approval required before spending. The transportation department must report those urgent problems addressed by December 15 of each odd-numbered year.

More funding for licensing and refunds

The law raises the Department of Licensing's overall 2025–2027 funding from $446.583 million to $460.512 million. It separately raises funding for motor vehicle fuel-tax refunds and transfers from $206.302 million to $225.368 million. These budget totals do not specify changes to household licensing costs, refund eligibility, or individual refund amounts.

More funding for Seattle highway improvements

The law raises SR 520 West End project funding from $586.517 million to $640.84 million. The total includes $20 million from the SR 520 Civil Penalties Account. It sets aside $1.1 million for noise reduction. After the Montlake phase ends, WSDOT must sell or transfer property no longer needed for transportation.

More money for public transportation projects

The law raises public transportation capital funding from $338.207 million to $358.97 million. The total includes $203.05 million from the carbon emissions account, $22.475 million from the multimodal account, and $133.445 million from regional mobility grants. Unless the law provides an exception, money must support the public transportation projects listed in the March 10, 2026 legislative project document.

State pays deferred taxes on toll projects

The Motor Vehicle Account provides $57.593 million for deferred sales and use taxes on the SR 16 corridor project. It also provides $159.48 million for those taxes on the SR 520 bridge replacement and carpool-lane project. Lawmakers intend toll revenues to repay any nontoll accounts used by December 31, 2032, and December 31, 2050, respectively. These payments create no new household tax duty.

Transportation accounts shift hundreds of millions

For 2025–2027, Move Ahead WA receives $250 million from the Motor Vehicle Account and $179 million from the Multimodal Transportation Account. Another $100 million moves from Connecting Washington to the Motor Vehicle Account. The Motor Vehicle Account also transfers $48.92 million to the Special Category C Account for 2025–2027. These transfers redirect existing state money; they do not specify projects or provide household payments.

Columbia River bridge receives project funding

The law provides $138.049 million in federal funding for the Interstate 5 Columbia River bridge project. It also provides $357.916 million in private and local funds and $84.223 million in state funds. These Move Ahead WA funds are reserved for the bridge project. The transportation department must consider toll technology that minimizes equipment and operating capital costs; no toll rate is set.

More funding for Gateway roads and trails

The law raises SR 167/SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway funding from $902.177 million to $980.994 million. Savings must stay in the corridor until completion. Construction must be managed as one corridor investment, with funding timed to ready segments to avoid spending gaps. The multimodal money is reserved for design of the Puyallup-to-Tacoma multiuse trail and segment 2 of the Route 167 shared-use path.

More funding for state rail construction

The law raises rail capital funding for 2025–2027 from $311.877 million to $374.133 million. Money must support projects in the updated state transportation project list, except where the law allows otherwise. The funding supports rail infrastructure, not direct household payments.

More money for highway repairs

The law provides $300 million for the Additional Highway System Preservation project, covering highway and bridge repairs, replacements, and paving. It also provides $25 million for highway barriers and $11.5 million for lane markings that meet federal light-reflection standards. Another $5 million creates a snow and ice removal reserve. The transportation department must notify state budget officials and legislative transportation committees when its regular snow-removal budget runs out and reserve spending begins.

Smaller transfers between transportation funding accounts

The law lowers the bond-funded transfer cap from Transportation Partnership to Move Ahead WA from $879 million to $684 million. For 2025–2027, Multimodal funding transferred to Move Ahead WA Flexible falls from $18.77 million to $3.77 million. Electric Vehicle funding transferred to that flexible account falls from $3.6 million to $3.05 million. Pilotage funding transferred to Multimodal falls from $320,000 to $66,000. The 2025–2027 transfer from the State Route 520 Civil Penalties Account to its Corridor Account falls from $1.752 million to $1.3 million.

Less funding for two highway projects

North Spokane Corridor funding falls from $372.891 million to $277.952 million. That includes $300,000 for community input and early design addressing East Central Neighborhood visual and noise impacts. State Route 3/Gorst widening funding falls from $13.5 million to $13.033 million, including $7.5 million for low-cost improvements. Those improvements must complement long-term corridor options. The transportation department must consult the Suquamish Tribe from early planning through funding and approval, even without a tribal request.

Public employee agreement funded with limits

The law approves fiscal year 2027 funding for the Washington Public Employees Association’s General Government agreement and award. Pay and benefit terms not presented by the end of the 2026 legislative session are excluded. Spending can also use accounts that do not require an appropriation. The law provides no extra replacement funding when capped grants or dedicated position funding lack enough revenue. It does not state individual pay changes.

New bidding rules for small contractors

The transportation department may limit small works roster bidding to certified public works small businesses. This limit does not apply when the department finds a project would have too few bidders. During 2025–2027, it must contact roster contractors who appear qualified for ferry vessel or terminal work costing $500,000–$750,000. That replaces the earlier $400,000–$500,000 range. Contact does not guarantee a contract.

Mobility grants funded with award limits

Regional mobility grants get $133.445 million, including $55.767 million carried over from 2023–2025; remaining funds stay with listed projects. A grantee generally cannot receive over 25% unless all other funding is awarded; the 2027–2029 direct-benefit cap is 30%. The department must review projects at least twice yearly, examine grants inactive for one year for possible termination, and promptly close completed grants. Status reports to budget officials and transportation committees are due December 15, 2025, and December 15, 2026. Savings from underspending or canceled projects can advance projects on the 2025–2027 priority list with budget-office and transportation-committee approval.

Road project transfers allowed within limits

The transportation department can transfer 2023–2025 and 2025–2027 spending authority between eligible projects on the March 10, 2026, LEAP list. Total transfers cannot exceed $100 million; transfers to one project face a $50 million biennial limit and the applicable six-year-plan limit. Transfers must stay within the specified fund source and cannot occur during legislative sessions, expand scope, or use scope-reduction or practical-design savings. Except for limited transfers, the budget director must find that moving money will not hinder approved project completion. Transfers without formal written approval cannot exceed the lesser of $250,000 or 10% of project cost per biennium and require quarterly reports.

Transportation grants with transit tax conditions

The law provides $62.698 million from the multimodal account and $79.077 million from the carbon emissions account for special needs transportation grants. Those amounts include $977,000 carried forward from an earlier budget. Grants must follow the existing distribution law, and fuel type cannot affect selection. During 2025–2027, agencies receiving grants not yet under contract cannot delay, divert, replace, or suspend approved local transit sales-tax collections.

Transportation transfers removed and bond money redirected

The law removes a $164 million transfer from Connecting Washington to Move Ahead WA. It replaces a $212 million Nickel bond transfer to Move Ahead WA with up to $165 million to the Motor Vehicle Account. That authorized bond money remains funding for Nickel projects or improvements. For 2025–2027, it removes Multimodal transfers of $105 million to Puget Sound Capital Construction and $25 million to Transportation Partnership. It also removes a $40 million Move Ahead WA transfer to Puget Sound Capital Construction; specific project effects are not identified.

Transit grants require fare and tax policies

The law provides $189.301 million in transit support grants. Transit agencies must have zero-fare policies in effect to qualify for distributions. During 2025–2027, agencies with awards not yet under contract generally cannot delay, redirect, replace, or suspend approved transit sales-tax collections. A voter-approved phased tax reauthorization is allowed when it maintains current service hours.

Better ticket information for vehicle renewal

The Department of Licensing gets $300,000 to improve parking-ticket information during vehicle registration renewal. Improvements can include tools to resolve unpaid tickets that block renewal more quickly. The provision does not lower ticket amounts, fees, or penalties.

Cheaper identification and guidance for seniors

The law provides $26,000 for reduced-fee identification cards for people age 70 or older who voluntarily replace their driver's license. It does not state the reduced fee or individual savings. Another $300,000 funds resources for older and medically at-risk drivers, including a website and online self-check tool. The website must include guidance for families and caregivers. The Traffic Safety Commission must also designate an older-driver safety awareness week using existing resources.

Clearer electronic paperwork for disability parking

The Department of Licensing must update rules for electronic health care documents used in special parking privilege applications. It must give vehicle licensing offices matching guidance. The updates and a report to legislative transportation committees are due January 1, 2027.

Drivers get registration reminders and translated tests

Licensing officials receive $150,000 to send periodic reminders to owners whose vehicle registrations are significantly expired. Notices explain registration rules and possible penalties, without changing either. Another $50,000 funds translations of the driver licensing manual and knowledge test into Dari, Farsi, and Somali.

Free county ferry rides for youth

The law provides $700,000 to support free youth fares on Pierce, Whatcom, and Skagit county ferries. Pierce receives $263,000, Whatcom receives $363,000, and Skagit receives $74,000. Free rides apply to youth who qualify under each county's supported fare policy. This provision does not state an age cutoff or per-household savings.

Income-based toll relief helps qualifying drivers

The law establishes toll relief for drivers who meet an income test. Relief starts at facilities where tolling begins in fiscal year 2026 or later. Transportation officials must assess extending relief to older facilities, considering their financial and legal requirements. They must report yearly; this provision does not set the income limit or relief amount.

Medical transport gets broader carpool access

During 2025–2027, the carpool-lane pilot expands to qualifying for-hire nonemergency medical vehicles while used for medical trips. Covered vehicles also include specified transportation-provider vehicles with room for at least eight passengers, regardless of actual occupancy. Blood-service vehicles and wheelchair-accessible taxis must be clearly marked on all sides; taxis must be designed or modified for wheelchair access. Medical vehicles must meet the referenced program requirements. Express toll lane charges still apply when vehicles do not meet occupancy requirements.

More mobile licensing for rural communities

Funding for mobile driver licensing and identity card services rises from $2 million to $3.577 million. The DOL2Go program continues bringing these services to rural and underrepresented communities.

Used electric car rebates target vulnerable buyers

The law provides $5 million for instant rebates when people in vulnerable populations buy or lease used electric vehicles. Commerce administers the funding. The money lapses unless Senate Bill 6354 is enacted by June 30, 2026. This provision does not set each person's rebate amount.

Driver training support for deaf youth

The law provides $464,000 to make driver education more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth in Washington. The licensing department transfers the money to the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth. No per-student payment amount is stated.

Vanpool help for state employee commutes

The law provides $2.212 million for a statewide vanpool benefit for state employees. Transportation department employees at remote job sites must have a subsidized vanpool or last-mile alternative at no extra charge. The law does not state each employee’s subsidy amount.

Compensation program for registered tow operators

The law provides $307,000 for the Department of Licensing to implement compensation for registered tow truck operators handling private-property impounds. Operators must be registered. The provision does not state payment amounts for each operator or reduce vehicle owners' impound charges.

Access help during Fairfax bridge closure

The law provides $1 million for the Fairfax/Wilkeson/Carbon River State Route 165 bridge closure project. Funds support temporary access, travel options, and Fairfax emergency management and operations. The money also pays for planning and design of another exit route during the closure.

Bridge noise solutions studied for neighbors

The law provides $400,000 for University of Washington engineers to study noise from State Route 520 bridge expansion joints. Laboratory tests examine a durable sound-reduction system, traveler safety, and possible damage to the joints. A draft report with test results, recommendations, and future study timelines is due December 31, 2026. The final report is due March 1, 2027.

Cleaner materials and public vehicle support

The law provides $1.5 million for a program reducing carbon tied to materials used in transportation construction. It provides $500,000 to Washington State University's energy program for public-agency education and help with alternative-fuel vehicles. Another $572,000 helps the transportation department track and maximize state agencies' clean-fuel credits and revenue. The department must project credits and revenue produced by that work. These funds do not provide household vehicle rebates or set consumer fuel prices.

Continued funding for civilian intervention grants

The law provides $750,000 to continue the existing civilian intervention grant program. The money must follow the program requirements set by the 2023 law. This provision does not state individual grant amounts or household eligibility.

Continued funding for e-bike lending

The law provides $4 million to continue e-bike lending libraries and ownership grants. The program must follow requirements established in the 2023 law. The transportation department can collect no more than 5% of the related rebate and lending-library funding for administration. This allocation does not specify individual grant amounts or eligibility.

Continued planning to reconnect South Park

The law carries forward $140,000 for Seattle's work to reconnect South Park, a neighborhood divided by Route 99. The city must continue the equitable development initiative under the requirements of the 2024 law. A final report with recommendations is due June 30, 2027.

Dedicated funding for highway area upkeep

The law provides $1.025 million for a dedicated Seattle highway cleanup and safety crew, exceeding January 1, 2019 activity levels. It provides $180,000 for spray-drone graffiti cleanup and $100,000 for facilities and landscaping around three Route 520 highway covers. Those locations are Evergreen Point Road, 84th Avenue NE, and 92nd Avenue NE. Another $300,000 supports Adopt-a-Highway operations and signs. The transportation department must report on that program to state budget officials and legislative transportation committees by September 1 and December 1, 2026.

Ferry studies examine feedback and facility duties

The law provides $75,000 for a University of Washington study on easier, more inclusive ferry customer feedback. It must consider underrepresented groups, passengers' trip purposes, and comparable ferry systems; findings are due December 15, 2026. Another $75,000 funds a Joint Transportation Committee assessment, with transportation facilities staff, of transferring ferry facility planning and support duties. The preliminary assessment is due December 1, 2025, and the final report October 1, 2026. The studies do not themselves transfer facility duties or change ferry fares.

Funding for coordination and bridge safety

The law provides $1.279 million to maintain and operate the virtual transportation coordination center. The transportation department can seek federal grants and use state money as a match. It must report expansion recommendations and new cash and in-kind partner matches by December 1, 2026. Another $1.05 million funds Washington's share of vessel-collision risk work at the Lewis and Clark and Astoria-Megler bridges. That work includes a risk review, a sensor measuring clearance beneath a bridge, and coordination-center expansion.

Funding for ferry safety and winter service

The law provides $2.548 million solely for security at Colman Dock. Another $600,000 funds peak-time traffic control at Seattle, Fauntleroy, Kingston, Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Bainbridge Island ferry terminals. That work focuses on Sundays and holiday weekends; local agencies can be hired when local law enforcement is available. The law also provides $2.6 million solely for San Juan Islands winter service improvements. A report on ridership, reliability, and workforce relocation is due December 1, 2026.

Funding for highway work zone cameras

The transportation department receives $10.621 million to implement speed cameras, including systems in state highway work zones. Another $7.552 million funds work-zone camera enforcement and case processing. That includes $2.353 million for State Patrol oversight, overtime, and violation processing, plus $3.99 million for administrative hearings. The Attorney General receives the remaining $1.209 million for legal guidance and case work; this funding does not set fines. Joint agency reports are due December 1, 2025, and July 1, 2027.

Funding to reconnect highway-divided communities

The law provides $46.415 million for the Sandy Williams pilot to reconnect communities divided by state highways. The program must prioritize historically marginalized communities and communities carrying heavy burdens. Up to 1% can pay for program support. Seattle also gets $200,000 to finish updates to its 2020 I-5 Lid Feasibility Study. The study money does not pay for construction.

Highway cleanup and housing outreach funding

The law funds highway encampment cleanup partnerships in Spokane with $1 million and Tacoma with $1.015 million. Spokane gets $555,000 for state staff and cleanup; Tacoma gets $570,000, with each city reimbursed up to $445,000. These partnerships must work alongside the state's highway encampment response. Another $1.2 million funds Fife's response along the SR 167/SR 509 corridor. Fife must coordinate services and housing alternatives outside highway property; funds also cover outreach, treatment transitions, cleanup, and qualifying law-enforcement costs.

Local governments must approve highway transfers

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, covered state highway route transfers require the receiving city's or county's approval. The transportation department cannot execute a covered transfer without that approval.

Low-cost road fixes and backup signals

The law provides $6 million for low-cost transportation improvements, prioritizing safety and congestion relief. Eligible work includes signs, rumble strips, speed bumps, flashing crosswalk lights, lower speed limits, and narrower lanes. The department must identify effective low-cost safety options before full design and engineering. Completed projects must be reported by December 15 of each odd-numbered year. Another $200,000 funds hydrogen fuel-cell demonstrations providing long-term backup power and fuel for critical traffic signals during outages or shutoffs.

More funding for driver license help

The law raises funding for organizations providing driver’s license help from $2.2 million to $2.7 million. In fiscal year 2027, $500,000 must expand services to more people or add contracted providers. The money goes to organizations, not as a fixed payment to each person.

More funding for walking and biking safety

The law raises SR 900 safety project funding from $328,000 to $5.478 million, split into $9,000 and $5.469 million. WSDOT must work with King County and the Skyway Coalition on community needs, safety design, planning, and walking and biking. Another $7 million helps local governments address urgent pedestrian and bicycle safety problems. The Office of Financial Management must approve spending that $7 million. Reports on problems addressed in the prior two-year budget period are due December 15 of each odd-numbered year.

More support for traffic safety enforcement

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission receives $2.5 million to supplement impaired-driving and other enforcement work. Of that total, $500,000 is reserved for tribal traffic safety support shaped by Indigenous knowledge.

More trooper training and mountain enforcement

The State Patrol gets $7.572 million for additional basic training classes starting or graduating during 2025–2027. Another $800,000 supports increased tire-chain enforcement on Interstate 90 around Snoqualmie Pass. Off-duty officers can use patrol vehicles for uniformed traffic control for the transportation department or another state agency. Officers must follow the chief's guidelines and repay mileage and hours of vehicle use at prevailing state employee rates.

New safety plans and bridge crisis signs

Transportation officials must review bridge strikes from the preceding three years and prevention practices elsewhere, using existing resources. Recommendations, including possible physical improvements, are due September 1, 2026. Another $250,000 funds a statewide safety-program plan covering eligibility, project selection, partners, funding needs, and corridor strategies. The plan is due June 30, 2027, and promises no future project funding. The law also provides $50,000 for 988 crisis-hotline signs on or near state or local bridges identified as high suicide risks.

Puget Sound navigation safety gets research funding

The law provides $70,000 for transportation officials to contract with the Puget Sound harbor committee on a harbor safety plan. Another $90,000 goes to Tacoma for equipment and operating costs supporting Communities for a Healthy Bay. That work detects sunken vessels and fishing or crabbing gear that may block shipping lanes.

Regional vehicle registration enforcement gets funding

The State Patrol receives $580,000 to operate and support its vehicle-registration investigation unit in southwestern Washington. Another $250,000 funds a Puget Sound pilot focused on compliance with annual vehicle registration requirements. These funds support existing registration compliance work; they do not set new fees, penalties, or registration rules.

Review of small electric vehicle rules

The work group supporting the electric bicycle and motorcycle law must review rules for small electric devices. The review includes electric unicycles, scooters, and tricycles and must consider better alignment with rules for other vehicles. This provision does not itself change device rules. Its funding lapses if Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6110 is not enacted by June 30, 2026.

Road safety messages and risk tracking

Through June 30, 2027, electronic road signs must promote slowing down, moving over, and paying attention near flashing emergency lights. The law provides $234,000 to track crashes and wrong-way violations at sites with prevention work funded under a 2024 law. A report is due June 30, 2027; lawmakers state their intent for annual reports through June 30, 2029. Another $1 million funds local video screening at controlled intersections with high violations and injuries to people walking or biking. Grants must be shared proportionally across urban and rural areas, state highways, and county roads, with local data reports and state recommendations due December 1, 2026.

Safety funding targets risk and geography

The transportation department must review future safety grant criteria to spread awards across more areas. Revised criteria must follow the Healthy Environment for All Act. Planned high-risk corridor preservation funds target roads scoring highly on the 2023 Vulnerable Road User Characteristic Index and needing significant preservation. The department must explain its selection method and list likely projects with its 2027–2029 budget request.

Safety grants for rural roads

The law provides $6.511 million for the Reducing Rural Roadway Departures program. Eligible towns, small cities, counties, and transportation benefit districts must have concurrent application and award schedules. The program operates independently of the department's other grant programs. Grants fund local roadway safety work, not household payments.

Salmon and pollinator habitat support

During 2025–2027, Edmonds gets the first right to buy specified property at fair market value for near-shore salmon habitat restoration. This applies only if the transportation department takes possession and confirms the property is no longer needed for transportation. Another $350,000 funds exploration of alternative uses of state highway land. The department must deliver two pollinator habitat test sections in eastern Washington and recommend more habitat opportunities along highways.

State ferries test renewable diesel fuel

Washington State Ferries must test renewable diesel on a representative group of diesel vessels. Performance findings and recommendations are due September 15, 2026. The report must address fleet-wide use and fuel purchasing options. This provision does not change ferry fares.

State Patrol operations and records support

The State Patrol receives $3.5 million to address urgent needs caused by high vacancies among officers and other staff. Funds can cover leave buyouts, contracts, overtime, equipment, and facilities. Another $5 million supports replacing higher-mileage patrol vehicles. The law also provides $998,000 for staff and related costs to process video for public disclosure and legal discovery requests. Within that amount, the Patrol must evaluate technology and automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Statewide walking and biking connections planned

The law provides $300,000 for a statewide plan connecting communities through walking and biking routes. The transportation department must submit the plan by December 1, 2026. It must examine legal, design, and funding barriers and include network data, a possible route map, cost estimates, and maintenance guidance. This money funds planning, not construction.

Transit planning focuses on underserved riders

The law provides $900,000 to carry out recommendations from the 2023 frequent transit service study. Transportation officials must define demand-response service levels, collect ongoing data, and develop tools to identify gaps in fixed-route transit access. Data collection prioritizes people with disabilities and vulnerable or underserved communities. A report is due June 30, 2026; the funding does not guarantee new service for any rider.

World Cup border staffing gets support

The law provides $600,000 for State Patrol staff and security equipment at an international border crossing during June and July 2026. The funding supports crossings during the World Cup period. It also supports screening for human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, unlawful crossings, and other unlawful activity.

World Cup travel and access funding

The law provides $4 million for transportation operations during the 2026 World Cup. This covers traffic-center work, added incident response, trail crossings, and travel signs. Another $3.65 million funds digital travel information, civil-rights and language access compliance, and disability access compliance and training. It also provides $2 million for maintenance near the Route 99 tunnel before and during the event.

More funding for school bicycle education

The law provides $28.455 million for statewide bicycle education grants in schools. The transportation department can partner with a statewide nonprofit to run the program. Up to 1% of the funding can pay for program support.

State Patrol hiring and training support

The State Patrol receives $2.61 million for diversity, equity, inclusion, statewide community engagement, recruitment, retention, and external psychologist examinations. It must work with the State Office of Equity and meet state reporting requirements. Another $1.668 million funds three accelerated programs for experienced officers transferring in during 2025–2027, targeting at least 30 qualified graduates. That target relies on aggressive recruiting, advertising bonus policies, and related steps. Within existing resources, the Patrol must offer at least 14 emergency-driving courses yearly at Shelton, exclusively for Criminal Justice Training Commission basic academies.

Cascades rail corridor development gets funding

The law provides $3.6 million in state funds and $8 million in federal funds for Cascades corridor development. The money supports planning and project development and is reserved for advancing the corridor. The transportation department must seek federal funding opportunities. It must notify the governor's office and legislative transportation committees about those opportunities and needed state matching funds.

Cities review road funding and maintenance duties

The law provides $250,000 for a facilitator and work group to update the 2013 agreement on city streets within state highways. Six city representatives and six state transportation members review construction, operations, and maintenance duties and how to maintain the agreement. The work must finish by June 2027. Another $140,000 updates the 2019 city transportation funding assessment, with city and state technical support and findings due September 2026. That study examines needs and funding sources but does not change local taxes or funding.

Clean bus funding for two transit agencies

The law carries over $6.291 million for two named clean-bus projects. Twin Transit gets $1.891 million for zero-emission vehicles. C-TRAN gets $4.4 million for hydrogen fuel-cell buses on its Highway 99 bus rapid transit route. This money funds transit projects, not household payments.

Clean transportation programs get reviews and tracking

The law provides $250,000 to review Climate Commitment Act clean transportation programs, including their management, performance, and delivery. Recommendations on delivery improvements, possible mergers, and administering agencies are due October 1, 2026. Another $100,000 funds evaluation methods measuring emissions cuts, cost per reduction, and benefits for vulnerable and overburdened communities, with recommendations due October 1, 2025. Another $640,000 supports a tracking tool covering clean vehicle, vessel, and off-road equipment purchases and related charging or fueling facilities. These reviews and tools do not change household benefit amounts or eligibility.

Clean vehicle access and refueling funding

The law provides $27.005 million for the existing clean alternative-fuel charging and refueling infrastructure program. This includes $2.005 million carried forward from the 2023–2025 budget period. It also carries forward $3.4 million for a clean vehicle use pilot. The pilot serves underserved communities, low- and moderate-income workers poorly served by transit, and people in corridors exceeding emissions standards. These provisions do not set a household rebate or individual benefit amount.

County road design and planning support

The law provides $1 million to reimburse counties for design costs under the county local road grant program. Costs must relate to preparing road projects for construction. Another $930,000 funds a Washington State Association of Counties contract covering fish passage, road-cost estimates, community engagement, and workforce practices. Fish-passage work requires coordination with state fish and wildlife officials; road-cost work requires partnership with the County Road Administration Board.

Fairfax bridge replacement must move faster

The transportation department must speed up the SR 165 Fairfax Bridge Replacement project. Cost estimates and projected replacement timelines are due to state budget officials and legislative transportation committees by January 1, 2027. This provision states no project funding amount.

Ferry construction credits and leasing reviewed

The law requires an independent study of the bid credit for hybrid-diesel electric ferries built in Washington. It examines economic, revenue, transport, delay, and oversight costs, with recommendations due June 30, 2027. A separate evaluation reviews short- or long-term leasing of hydrogen-powered or hybrid-hydrogen ferries, including fueling and lease-to-purchase options. Both studies involve the ferry work group, and the leasing review requires consultation with vessel companies. Leasing findings are intended by December 1, 2027; these studies do not themselves change the credit, acquire vessels, or change fares.

Ferry replacement and financing plans advance

The law provides $750,000 for a ferry work group studying vessel upkeep, replacement, terminals, shipyard capacity, and financing. The group includes ferry, legislative, and budget officials and must hire independent marine design experts. Initial findings are due December 15, 2026. The transportation department and state treasurer must study certificates of participation for new hybrid-electric vessels, with results due November 1, 2026. The department must also combine four ferry support projects in its 2027–2029 budget request to achieve savings and efficiency.

Freight corridor funding requires tribal consultation

The law provides $43.803 million for the SR 3 Freight Corridor project. It keeps the Lake Flora Road-to-SR 3/SR 302 endpoints and southern-end safety connections for different travel modes. Transportation officials must consult the Suquamish Tribe from early planning through funding and project decisions, even without a tribal request. Consultation is additional to required public participation and cultural-resource processes. Access hearings must begin before July 1, 2026.

Freight rail gets repairs and route review

Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad rehabilitation receives $36.985 million in state, $55.639 million in federal, and $326,000 in local funds. Another $250,000 funds Washington State University's independent review of shifting lower Snake River barge freight to roads and rail. Transportation officials must include the review team throughout their analysis. The team must engage stakeholders independently, coordinate tribal consultation, and provide quarterly findings. Its report is due December 31, 2026; the review does not itself move freight off barges.

Freight routes and port hours studied

The law provides $200,000 to study off-hour gates at jointly operated Seattle and Tacoma container terminals. That study covers costs, participation, and environmental effects, with a final report due June 30, 2027. Another $100,000 reviews freight-route designations, data sharing, and possible law changes, with a report due December 1, 2026. The law also carries forward $1.9 million to study shifting lower Snake River barge freight to roads and rail. That analysis follows the 2024 study requirements, involves the Joint Transportation Committee's review team, and requires quarterly updates and a final report by December 31, 2026; these studies do not change routes or port hours.

Funding for cleaner aviation research

The law provides $5.54 million for Snohomish County and Washington State University to plan and establish an aviation evaluation center. The center must consider sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, and battery-electric energy storage. The funding supports research and planning, not household rebates.

Funding for parkway and bridge projects

The law provides $46.491 million for the Confluence Parkway Infrastructure Match project. The legislature intends another $35 million in 2027–2029 only if federal Phase 2 funding is secured. The law also provides $42.306 million for the Hood River–White Salmon Columbia River bridge replacement. The legislature intends $30 million in 2027–2029 and later budget periods only if federal construction funding and Oregon matching money are secured. Both future amounts are statements of intent, not current appropriations.

Funding to fix broken public chargers

The law provides $10.08 million in federal funding to repair or replace broken or nonworking public electric vehicle chargers. That includes $1.738 million carried forward from 2023–2025. This funding supports charger repairs, not vehicle-purchase rebates.

High-speed travel planning gets more funding

The law provides $7.5 million in state funds for an ultra-high-speed ground transportation corridor plan. Federal planning funding rises to $29.648 million. The department cannot begin a program-wide environmental review without legislative approval. It must share progress at least twice yearly; required annual report dates are December 1, 2025, and December 1, 2026. This is planning funding, not approval to start passenger service.

Highway 2 partnership options get studied

The law provides $500,000 to study a public-private partnership for Highway 2 improvements over the Snohomish River delta. The study must use prior studies and current analysis of trestle capacity improvements and westbound trestle replacement. It must assess market interest in a partnership. Findings and recommendations are due January 1, 2027; this funding does not authorize or pay for construction.

Hydrogen fueling and transit projects get support

The law provides $10.496 million for hydrogen infrastructure grants or matching funds, including up to two years of station operating costs. Eligible uses include medium- and heavy-duty fueling stations in designated corridors, certain public-agency properties, and hydrogen fuel-cell transportation projects. The West Coast corridor gets $790,000 in state matching funds and $3.164 million federally for two truck-charging sites and one hydrogen site along Interstate 5. The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association gets $1 million for technical help and market development; Community Transit gets $2.5 million for a fuel-cell demonstration. The department is directed to pursue other available public and private funding with the interagency electric vehicle council.

Less spending on transportation bond sales

The law reduces funding for transportation bond sales and fiscal agent charges from $5.13 million to $2.57 million. The revised funding includes $20,000 from the Transportation Improvement Account and $300,000 from the Move Ahead WA Account. These are state financing expenses, not direct household fees or payments.

Metro funding supports bridge repair pilot

The law provides $22 million to King County Metro for a federal funds exchange pilot. Metro coordinates with the Puget Sound Regional Council, which controls programming of the federal funds. The $12 million Revive I-5—Ship Canal Bridge share is released only after Metro starts the pilot. The remaining $10 million stays withheld until Washington State Ferries confirms compliance with section 222(13) of the 2025 transportation law. Metro must report by January 15, 2027.

More funding for freight road projects

The law provides $43.473 million in federal funds to speed local road preservation on the National Highway Freight System. WSDOT selects projects while updating the state freight plan with the freight board and other stakeholders. Listed freight projects also get $23.514 million from the investment account and $25.676 million from the multimodal account. With board approval, savings or canceled-project funds can cover unexpected cost increases on projects in the legislative project list. The freight board’s 2025–2027 budget rises from $1.412 million to $1.417 million.

More funding for regional bus service

Pierce County gets $350,000 solely for public transportation on the Key Peninsula. RiverCities Transit gets $950,000 solely for weekday service from Longview to Vancouver. Another $5 million expands intercity buses in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The transportation department must report on that expansion’s status and performance every January 15. These allocations fund service, not a promised fare cut or household payment.

More funding for toll bond payments

The law raises Toll Facility Bond Retirement Account funding from $39.742 million to $44.527 million. The money pays transportation bond principal and interest. This allocation does not itself set toll rates or household payments.

More funding for traffic management systems

The law raises traffic-operations capital funding from $14.854 million to $23.137 million. A designated project allocation includes $7.167 million in state money, $10.738 million in federal money, and $1.135 million in private or local money. The transportation department must report completed investments by December 15 of each odd-numbered year, covering the prior two-year budget period. Separately, $1 million supports the Spokane Regional Traffic Management Center.

More funding for transportation agency work

For 2025–2027, WSDOT transportation operations funding rises from $116.556 million to $119.939 million. Management and support funding rises from $64.575 million to $70.62 million. Planning, data, and research funding rises from $96.007 million to $97.342 million. These increases support agency work but do not specify household payments, fee changes, or particular service improvements.

More funding for transportation oversight bodies

The Joint Transportation Committee’s 2025–2027 budget rises from $4.353 million to $6.151 million. Its carbon-reduction funding rises from $624,000 to $1.264 million; motor-vehicle funding rises from $3.379 million to $3.687 million. Multimodal funding rises from $350,000 to $1.2 million. The Transportation Commission’s budget rises from $3.289 million to $3.302 million, including motor-vehicle funding rising from $2.105 million to $2.118 million. These changes fund the two bodies; they do not set fares, tolls, or household payments.

More funding for tribal transit projects

The law provides $11.953 million for Move Ahead WA tribal transit grants, including $1.953 million carried over from 2023–2025. Grants can support planning, operations, maintenance, and capital costs. Up to $100,000 can pay for administration and staffing. By December 15, 2026, the department must submit a ranked list of new projects totaling no more than $5.762 million. The list goes to the Office of Financial Management and legislative transportation committees.

More funding for Walla Walla highway

The US-12/Walla Walla corridor project gets $23 million in Move Ahead WA state funds and $10 million in private/local funds. Its Connecting Washington funding rises from $6.387 million to $13.96 million. WSDOT must pursue available federal funding with nearby local governments. The legislature states an intent, not a current appropriation, to add matching money for the remaining Wallula–Nine Mile Hill four-lane section. That depends on a competitive federal award and the Port of Walla Walla giving the state needed land at no cost.

More funding to plan highway interchange

The law raises SR 522/Paradise Lake Road interchange and widening funding from $17.193 million to $23.025 million. The total combines $11 million, $5.229 million, and $6.796 million allocations. WSDOT can use the money only for design, early engineering, and buying needed land. It must consider reserving parts of SR 522 for public transportation and other legally eligible vehicles.

More money for abandoned RV disposal

The law raises abandoned recreational vehicle disposal reimbursements from $3.109 million to $4.983 million. The Department of Licensing must prioritize approved, allowable reimbursements over building a reserve. The law requires consultation with program participants and a financial plan by December 1, 2025. That plan must show sustainability for at least two later two-year budget periods at current or proposed fee rates.

More money moved into transportation account

The law raises the transfer from the Move Ahead WA Flexible Account to the Move Ahead WA Account. The transfer grows from $192 million to $198 million. This moves existing state money between accounts; it does not provide household payments or name funded projects.

More money transferred to ferry accounts

For 2025–2027, the law moves $16 million from the Motor Vehicle Account to Puget Sound ferry capital construction. That is up from $6.5 million. It also moves $20 million from the same account to ferry operations, up from $15 million. These transfers do not specify projects, routes, fares, or service levels.

New toll technology tests for drivers

The law provides $200,000 each from the State Route 520 and Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement accounts for advanced tolling tests. The pilot tests private-sector technology for accuracy, possible operating savings, and more flexible service. The Transportation Commission must hire independent vendors for expert oversight and advice. A final report is due July 1, 2026; the pilot itself does not change toll rates.

Nonprofit transportation grants limit matching costs

Nonprofit transportation providers applying for state grants cannot be required to provide matching funds above 10% of the grant. The actual required match can be lower.

Operating support for Wahkiakum ferry riders

The law provides $986,000 from the Motor Vehicle Account for the state's share of the Wahkiakum County ferry operating deficit. The money supports operation of the county ferry. The provision does not set new fares or promise a specific amount of savings for riders.

Paine Field fuel research site funded

Beginning March 31, 2026, the law redirects $2 million from Snohomish County to the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Institute. The institute can use it only for preconstruction and site-readiness work for a fuel research and development center at Paine Field.

Planning funds for major highway corridors

The law provides $5.4 million plus the full $6.348 million flexible-account allocation for Interstate 5 planning. Work includes a master plan, earthquake-risk reviews, and ramp-meter or carpool-bypass assessments from Federal Way to Arlington. An interim master-plan report is due June 30, 2026. Another $1.5 million funds a Route 167 implementation plan based on its June 2023 master plan. Engineering and cost estimates must support an updated corridor funding and construction schedule, with recommendations due December 1, 2026.

Ports get freight and channel funding

The law provides $6.3 million for a zero-emission freight truck demonstration at Northwest Seaport Alliance facilities. It provides $10 million for property and infrastructure costs tied to Washington sponsor ports' Lower Columbia River channel-maintenance obligations. That channel funding does not commit the state to funding future budget periods. Within its approved budget, the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board can opt into environmental requirements for covered agencies under state law.

Public works contracting study gets continued funding

The law provides $75,000 to continue the Joint Transportation Committee's study of alternative ways to deliver public works projects. It includes consultation on collaborative buying and contracting approaches to increase competition, control costs, and keep projects on schedule. A supplemental report is due December 1, 2025. The study does not itself change contracting rules.

Road and bridge projects get funding

The law provides $1.5 million to plan safety and travel improvements along SR 164 from Auburn's Dogwood Street East to Enumclaw's High Point Street. Recommendations are due June 30, 2027, to state budget officials and legislative transportation committees. Another $1 million provides matching funds for a federal application for wildlife underpasses on US 97 between Tonasket and Riverside. The law also funds planning, engineering, and construction for the Elwha River bridge replacement. Transportation officials must maintain access on the existing route as much as practicable; the supplied provision gives no funding amount.

Road widening funded in two communities

Phase one of SR 18 widening from Issaquah/Hobart Road to Raging River gets $15 million, reserved for that project. This includes $4.663 million in Move Ahead WA state funds, $7.908 million federal, and $2.429 million Special Category C state funds. The SR 224/Red Mountain project gets $25.978 million from Connecting Washington and $2.212 million from the Motor Vehicle Account. Its scope must include complete-streets widening of Keene Road from SR 224 to Belmont Boulevard and funding for West Richland within that budget. The department cannot add SR 224 pavement preservation from West Richland city limits to Antinori Road.

State transportation money shifts between accounts

The law transfers $10 million from the Agency Financial Transaction Account to the state Motor Vehicle Account. It also transfers $4 million there from the Driver Licensing Technology Support Account. During 2025–2027, the legislature can direct the treasurer to transfer money from either source account to the Motor Vehicle Fund. The Transportation 2003 and Connecting Washington accounts can also transfer money to the Move Ahead WA Account and Motor Vehicle Fund. These authorities state no additional transfer amounts and create no direct household payments.

Storm-damaged local roads get repair loans

Temporary loans provide $30 million to counties and $15 million to cities and towns for December 2025 storm damage. Applicants must be in counties meeting the federal public-assistance damage threshold. Eligible work restores suddenly destroyed or severely damaged roads or structures to their preemergency condition, beyond ordinary seasonal maintenance. Loans advance requested federal emergency funds and must be repaid within a reasonable time after those funds arrive. The law states an intent to allow forgiveness through a future transportation budget when federal reimbursement is not provided.

Street grants and sidewalk funding get support

The Transportation Improvement Board receives $163,000 from the Complete Streets Grant Program Account, without named projects or recipients. Another $200,000 funds a study of local sidewalk funding options, including a possible sidewalk utility. The study must assess fairness, stability, adequacy, simplicity, economic effects, and burdens on lower-income people. Preliminary findings are due December 15, 2025, and the final report June 30, 2026. The study creates no sidewalk utility or fee.

Study examines cleaner rules for docked ships

The law carries forward $274,000 for the Joint Transportation Committee to study California's emissions standards for ocean-going ships at berth. The study examines the effects of applying those standards in Washington. The report is due December 31, 2025. This provision does not impose new ship emissions rules.

Tacoma Rail gets cleaner locomotive funding

The law provides $5 million to replace two Tacoma Rail diesel-electric switching locomotives with zero-emission battery-electric locomotives. The project also includes on-site charging equipment. Local funds sufficient to fully fund the project and all required agreements must be secured. This is rail equipment funding, not a household vehicle incentive.

Tacoma utility vehicle pilot keeps funding

The law carries forward $1.725 million for Tacoma Public Utilities’ medium-duty zero-emission utility vehicle pilot. The pilot includes charging infrastructure and mobile battery units. Money is limited to this project and does not provide household rebates.

Transportation accounting and law implementation funded

The law provides $10.374 million from the Multimodal Transportation Account and $2.5 million from the Motor Vehicle Account for accounting software. The money completes the transportation reporting and accounting system's move to the current cloud version. Spending remains subject to the act's technology review requirements and limits. Another $890,000 from the Motor Vehicle Account is reserved solely for implementing the 2025 transportation resources law.

Transportation funding studies without new driver fees

The law provides $100,000 to review long-term transportation funding and $400,000 for maintenance planning and public education. The maintenance report is due September 1, 2026. It also funds $4.62 million in federally funded road-use-charge research and a $50,000 Licensing Department study of per-mile fees. The licensing study covers staffing, technology, and third-party costs, with an intended report date of December 31, 2025. These provisions fund research, not new charges on drivers.

Transportation staff support and safer consolidation

The law provides $1.512 million from the Motor Vehicle Account and $488,000 from the ferry operations account for monitoring and engagement. The funding also covers assistance, reporting, and related work required by the referenced 2024 law. Another $1.5 million covers added costs of consolidating transportation staff facilities in Thurston County. The plan must involve state facilities and budget officials, set steps and a timeline, and prioritize employee safety. Consolidation must use existing owned or leased space without adding space; progress reports begin July 1, 2026, and continue twice yearly.

Transportation technology gets funding and oversight

State Patrol network upgrade funding rises from $4.5 million to $9.3 million. The Office of Financial Management monitors spending with Washington Technology Solutions and can pause the project or withhold unused funds. Existing transportation technology review rules also cover ferry ticketing and reservations modernization. Those rules also cover the TRAINS accounting upgrade and PROPEL support for One Washington.

Truck parking information and facility planning

The law provides $7.201 million for real-time truck parking information along I-5, developed with Oregon and California. Some money can support federal grant proposals and state matching funds. Another $200,000 studies a North Bend facility near I-90 exit 34, including truck parking, a State Patrol office, and a weigh station. Transportation officials, North Bend, and the State Patrol must consult King County, state land and military agencies, and the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe. Findings are due June 30, 2027; military facilities can be included only when military funding and relocation schedules align.

Western Washington gets coordinated travel planning

The transportation department must continue coordinated planning for western Washington roads, rail, and commercial aviation capacity. Planning includes Interstate 5, existing rail, and future high-speed rail routes. It must compare resilience options, costs, and performance and develop a long-term strategy toward state transportation policy goals. The law sets November 1, 2025, as the deadline for a status report and analysis to the Joint Transportation Committee.

World Cup visitors get extra transit service

The law provides $9 million for extra transit service from June 1 through July 30, 2026. Funded services include more frequent trips, temporary shuttles, on-demand rides, water taxis, and customer improvements. King County Metro gets 40%; specified four-county agencies share 40%, and other designated fan-zone city agencies share 20%. Both shared portions are divided by agency service hours. Agencies must submit spending plans by December 1, 2025; money lacking a consistent service-enhancement plan is redistributed.

Auto dealer inspections restart for applicants

The law provides $4.05 million for auto dealer licensing, oversight, and inspections. By August 1, 2026, the Department of Licensing must restart on-site inspections, as appropriate, during initial retail dealer applications. Inspections must focus on locations with more than 10 dealers at one site and other areas the department identifies. A report on completed and planned improvements is due January 15, 2027.

Ferry capital funding and urgent repairs

For 2025–2027, the law transfers $65 million from the Capital Vessel Replacement Account to the Puget Sound Capital Construction Account. It also authorizes transfers between those accounts during that budget period when the legislature directs the treasurer. Another $2 million establishes a team to handle unexpected ferry repair and preservation needs without disrupting planned work. The transportation department must report on the team's benefits by December 1, 2026. The transfer does not identify particular vessels or construction projects.

Funding for ferry repairs and upgrades

The law reserves $5 million solely for emergency ferry capital repairs. The Office of Financial Management must approve spending first. It also provides $16.214 million in state funds and $1.071 million in federal funds solely to close out ferry hybrid conversions. This is the final funding for that conversion program. Another $1.935 million is limited to expanding ferry preservation capacity at Eagle Harbor.

Funding for four local transit projects

The law carries forward $16.8 million from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Account for four named transit projects. These include Columbia County's transit base refurbishment and expansion, plus Kitsap Transit's design and shore power project. Funding also covers Pierce Transit's Meridian project and King County Metro's Central Campus electrification. The money is limited to these projects, not direct household payments.

Funding keeps transportation maintenance running

The law provides $40 million for essential transportation maintenance, timely repairs, equipment, and materials. Of that total, $5 million must support replacing obsolete transportation equipment. The funding supports reliable system operations rather than direct payments to households.

Cities get transit-linked housing strategy review

The law provides $100,000 to continue reviewing development near transit in cities across King, Pierce, Spokane, Clark, and Snohomish counties. The review examines housing supply and affordability strategies in the 2025 housing law and recommends local implementation steps. The Joint Transportation Committee's review is due December 15, 2025. It does not directly change housing costs or household benefits.

Funding for basic maritime safety training

The law provides $60,000 for a basic maritime safety program with Crawford nautical training. The program must meet United States Coast Guard requirements. The provision does not state who qualifies, individual assistance amounts, or whether trainees pay part of the cost.

Funding for ferry jobs and overtime

The law provides $19.7 million to add ferry deck and engine positions across all job classes. Hiring decisions must consider crew-related cancellations, staffing forecasts, and job classes with the highest overtime costs. The department must report hires by job class. Another $6.95 million covers overtime and job-familiarization costs for engine, deck, and terminal staff. The law also provides $375,000 to implement the 2025 ferry salary law, without setting individual pay amounts or rates.

More training and recruitment for ferry workers

The law provides $11.962 million for ferry workforce development and $855,000 for a 2025–2027 Seattle Maritime Academy pilot. Pilot spending requires certification to the state budget office of a signed agreement with Seattle Central Community College. The agreement must cover joint training, facilities, recruitment, and increased enrollment of women and people of color. The department must expand outreach to groups underrepresented in maritime careers and continue expanding apprenticeships and internships. Recruitment must emphasize programs shown to help fill ferry jobs; no individual job or payment is guaranteed.

Revenue review can raise drivers' tolls

The Transportation Commission must review I-405 and SR 167 toll revenue and adjust I-405 tolls as appropriate to raise revenue. It must consider minimum and maximum rates, weekday and time-of-day rates, and limiting direct-access ramps to transit and high-occupancy vehicles. Changes must stay within existing legal limits. Coordination with the Renton–Bellevue express toll lane expansion is encouraged; no new rate or start date is set.

Credit-card costs for certain transportation fees

The transportation department may recover credit-card transaction costs when collecting fees under RCW 46.17.400, 46.44.090, and 46.44.0941. People or businesses paying those fees by credit card can face these added costs. The budget assumes recovery of at least $100,000 in related transaction costs beginning January 1, 2023. The law does not set an amount for each payer.

Less funding for long-service trooper bonuses

The law continues bonuses for commissioned State Patrol staff with at least 26 years in the Washington State Retirement System. Funding falls from $2.178 million to $1.865 million. The law does not state individual bonus amounts or how the smaller budget affects payments.

Less funding for impaired-driving lab backlog

State Patrol toxicology laboratory funding falls from $3 million to $1.6 million. The remaining money supports staff, overtime, contracts, equipment, and related costs to maintain service and reduce impaired-driving case backlogs. The law sets twice-yearly reporting beginning December 1, 2025. Reports must describe activities and plans and compare processing times with June 2025.

Smaller transfer to State Patrol funding

For 2025–2027, the Highway Safety Account transfers $78 million to the State Patrol Highway Account. The previous transfer was $88 million. The law does not specify resulting changes to patrol services or household costs.

Colfax bridge construction faces budget-period delay

The transportation department cannot proceed with construction of the US 195/Colfax North Fork Palouse River bridge replacement during 2025–2027. The law gives no new construction date.

More state spending for transportation lawsuits

The law raises funding for certain extraordinary WSDOT legal costs from $6 million to $9 million. It covers awards, settlements, and dispute work not eligible for the self-insurance fund. WSDOT must request the money and document its legal expenses. The Office of Financial Management can release it only after other funds designated for those costs are exhausted. This is state spending, not a new household liability.

Smaller funding transfer for ferry operations

For 2025–2027, the law transfers $26 million from the Multimodal Transportation Account to the Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account. That is down from $64 million, a $38 million reduction. This transfer change does not specify cuts to routes or service, or changes to fares.

World Cup brings tunnel toll review

The Transportation Commission must consider temporary SR 99 tunnel toll changes before and during the 2026 World Cup. The review addresses increased travel demand. The law neither sets a toll amount nor requires a rate change; resulting rates can raise or lower drivers' costs.

Highway encampment cleanup and housing outreach

The law provides $5 million for safety, cleanup, and outreach at homeless encampments on state-owned highway land. The transportation department must work with local officials and service groups to provide services and direct people toward housing elsewhere. At least $2 million must fund more frequent removal of litter generated by people living without shelter. The department and State Patrol must jointly report every six months, beginning November 1, 2025.

Winter pass safety and violator costs

The law provides $3.675 million to carry out winter-operation recommendations for Snoqualmie Pass. Funded work includes signs, remote avalanche control, coordinated chain enforcement, and an on-call Class C towing company. The funded measures also include recovering costs from violators.

Future mobility grants change applicant rules

For 2027–2029 regional mobility grants, transit agencies must let private transportation providers apply to use park-and-ride facilities. Without that application process, a transit agency cannot qualify. During 2025–2027, the transportation department must consider regional and metropolitan planning organizations' applications for 2027–2029 grants. Consideration does not guarantee an award.

Local project funding and delivery options

The state budget office can reduce earmarked local-project funds when the transportation department confirms they are not needed that biennium. This applies only to Connecting Washington, Move Ahead WA, Move Ahead WA Flexible, Motor Vehicle, Multimodal, and Carbon Emissions Reduction accounts. Changes cannot raise projects above their LEAP 2026-2 amounts; legislative committees get 10 days' written notice, with reporting due December 1, 2026. For listed state-led projects at risk of missing 2025–2027 delivery, the department must check ready, willing, and able local partners. A project list and local delivery timing for 2025–2027 and 2027–2029 are due November 1, 2025; faster completion is not guaranteed.

Port electrification funding adds vessel rules

The law provides $26.293 million in competitive electrification grants, open to all public ports. Ports installing grant-funded shore power must require capable vessels to use it whenever available at the facility. Separate funding provides $1.995 million for Bremerton and $1.831 million for Anacortes shore power and other zero-emission equipment. Another $25.3 million funds a Northwest Seaport Alliance shore-power demonstration. That demonstration requires local funds sufficient to fully fund the project and all required agreements.

Transit grants require continued local tax collections

The law provides $32.223 million in rural mobility grants to help small rural cities. Commute trip reduction receives $3.3 million in carbon-reduction funds, $5.7 million in multimodal funds, and $784,000 in parking funds. Fuel type cannot affect selection for either grant program. During 2025–2027, agencies with awards not yet under contract must keep collecting approved local public transportation sales and use taxes. They cannot delay, divert, replace, or suspend those collections.

Transportation funding exchanges offer flexibility at discount

The pilot exchanges eligible federal transportation grant funds for state money at 95 cents per federal dollar. One allocation authorizes $17.5 million in federal funds and makes up to $16.625 million in existing state funds available. Another provides $23.75 million, with an effectiveness, administrative-cost, and recommendations report due December 1, 2026. Funds remain unavailable until offered federal money can fund an eligible project; state funds equal to the full federal amount must then be held back. Federal-funded projects must meet federal rules, including disadvantaged-business goals; lawmakers intend no continuation into later budgets if the pilot is underused.

Less rideshare funding, protected transit taxes

The law reduces public transit rideshare grants from $6.673 million to $5.325 million. That includes $325,000 carried forward from 2023–2025. For rideshare awards not yet under contract, agencies cannot delay, divert, replace, or stop collecting approved local transit sales and use taxes. The same protection covers bus and bus facility awards listed in the referenced LEAP transportation project document. These tax-collection protections apply during the 2025–2027 budget period.

Transit construction funding carries spending limits

Connecting Washington transit funding rises from $11.189 million to $13.639 million and must follow the listed amounts and schedule. Recipients can substitute projects only after completing the listed project, and replacements cannot cost more. Green transportation projects get $2.927 million in Multimodal funds and $51.747 million in Carbon Emissions Reduction funds. Up to $938,000 of the latter can pay for staff and administration; projects must appear in the March 10, 2026 list. For green-project awards not yet under contract, agencies cannot delay, redirect, replace, or suspend approved transit sales-tax collections during 2025–2027.

State land sale and oversight rules

The transportation department must consult the legislature before more-than-temporary use decisions for parcels 7666206955 and 7666206950. Consultation is also required before negotiating or signing contracts or leases for their development, lease, or sale. Separately, four Spokane acres are surplus only if not needed for the North Spokane Corridor connection from Freya to Appleway. The department must give Beloved Kijiji LLC a sale letter of intent by July 1, 2026; federal approval is required. A design and approval report is due January 1, 2027, and the sale must close by September 1, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Marko Liias
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Curtis King
Republican • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 260 • No: 26

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Final Passage as Recommended by Conference Committee

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Final Passage as Recommended by the Conference Committee

Yes: 69 • No: 26 • Other: 3

House vote • 2/28/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 93 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/27/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage