Committee staff presented a comparative review of transportation budgets and metrics across Western states, noting that Washington has unique cost drivers — high debt service, an extensive ferry system and mandated fish-passage work — and that preservation spending has not kept up with inflation.

WSDOT reported Jan–Mar 2026 combined toll transactions above forecast (≈17.8M; +2.5%) and revenues slightly above (≈$60.5M; +0.8%). The June statewide transportation forecast trims projections over the biennia, driven by higher fuel prices and legislative reallocations of Climate Commitment Act funds.