A Resolution of the Port Commission of the Port of Walla Walla Endorsing the passage of Referendum 51

     WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has voted to put Referendum 51 before the voters in the November 2002 general election, which would provide funds for statewide transportation improvements, and
     WHEREAS, the four-laning of U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to Walla Walla has been a priority project of the citizens of Walla Walla County for several decades, and
     WHEREAS, since 1991, U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to Walla Walla has experienced 1,079 accidents of which 414 were injury accidents that resulted in 33 deaths, and
     WHEREAS, $28 million has been earmarked in Referendum 51 revenues to four-laning U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to the Wallula Junction and to commence with planning efforts to four-lane U.S. Highway 12 from Wallula Junction to Walla Walla, and
     WHEREAS, Referendum 51 revenues will be used to match federal funding for transportation projects in the state of Washington and failure to be able to match federal funds would negatively impact the state’s ability to utilize all of the federal transportation funding that the state is entitled to including funding to four-lane U.S. Highway 12, and
     WHEREAS, Walla Walla County, the cities within Walla Walla County and the Walla Walla Valley Transit System, will also receive Referendum 51 revenues to maintain and enhance our local transportation system,
     NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Port Commission of the Port of Walla Walla that passage of Referendum 51 would result in substantial transportation investments in Walla Walla County, including the four-laning of U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to the Wallula Junction and therefore encourage the citizens of Walla Walla County to vote YES on Referendum 51.
     ADOPTED, at a regular Port of Walla Walla Commission meeting held this 11th day of September, 2002.

Port of Walla Walla Commission