Over seventy supporters of completing State Route 167, including representatives of business, labor, local government, tribes and the environmental community, met with state lawmakers in Olympia to remind them of the importance of completing this project of statewide significance.

Time and time again, project supporters spoke of the importance of SR-167 to their industry and to the state. Tacoma longshore worker Todd Iverson said, "We'd have 1,000 more people working on the docks if SR-167 was completed."

Port of Tacoma Commissioner Dick Marzano echoed the importance of the project for the working waterfront. "I've served on the Port Commission for twenty years and this is the worst time for shipping in Washington. Last year the U.S. West Coast ports gained 2 percent of North American market share overall, while Puget Sound ports lost ground by 2 percent. Where did our customers go? Canada. We can't be successful if our customers are constantly asking us what are we doing about our infrastructure."

This message seemed to sink in with some lawmakers.

Rep. Brad Klippert from the Tri-Cities region noted that last year he was a "no" vote on the package. However, in speaking with port commissioners, he had begun to appreciate the consolidation going on in the shipping industry. Noting that up to seven steamship lines could consolidate into two alliances, he acknowledged the enormous clout they would have, and that if the state doesn't do something to meet their needs, they would go to Canada and eliminate much of the shipping capacity the agriculture community needs for exports. "I'm not there yet but I am definitely listening and will take this back to my district."

Adriatic Grill owner Monique Trudnowski spoke about the importance of connecting her restaurant to food and beverage suppliers located in Sumner. "I have supplierers...who will look for other locations to do business if they cannot move their product where it needs to be."

Toby Murray, of Murray Pacific, spoke to the community benefits. "Neither our company nor I have no dog in this fight. There is nothing in this project to benefit me. But SR-167 is a big deal for my community and I am willing to put as much time and energy into getting this done as possible."

Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy spoke to the collective will that is necessary to complete SR-167. "This package will not be passed by the Democrats alone nor will it be passed by the Republicans alone. If you think you're going to be fully satisfied as a Democrat or a Republican, we will fail. We have got to come together. This is not about taxes, it is about an investment."

"No more excuses," said Mark Martinez of the Building Trades. "No more poison pills. No more proposals that take steps back. We've been through too many sessions. Too many negotiations. Too many hearings. Too many listening tours. We need to get this done now."

Echoing the frustration was Totem Ocean Trailer Express CEO John Parrot. "If you would have gone back thirty years ago when the state stopped construction on SR-167 in Puyallup and told folks back then that we would legalize marijuana before completing the project, they would have laughed at you."

We'd like to thank Sens. Bruce Dammier, Jeannie Darneille, Joe Fain and Steve Conway, and Reps. Dawn Morrell, Hans Zeiger, Jake Fey, Dick Muri, Roger Freeman, Judy Clibborn, Brad Klippert and Cindy Ryu for taking time out of their busy schedule to meet with the group and to listen to their concerns.