Much has been made of the long-term job creation associated with the completion of State Route 167.

Permanent jobs and economic development opportunities make this project a smart investment for the state. However, given the sluggish economy, immediate job creation should not be overlooked. SR 167 can help here, too.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the project would result in 948 construction jobs and 1,990 indirect jobs per year of construction. This is why the International Union for Operating Engineers supports the project. They understand the benefit of family-wage paychecks being spent in our local community,