Investments in transportation infrastructure are long overdue, and Washington has the resources to prioritize them, employers say in this week's edition of AWB Amplified. It’s a timely message, as a legislative transportation package could be released this week (see more in item below).

Washington's infrastructure has been given a C grade by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Roads earned a C-minus, bridges earned a C-plus, and the transit system scored a C-minus, for example.

These poor grades have real-world consequences: Delayed shipments, traffic jams, more emissions and increased costs for shipping and vehicle maintenance.

Both employers and the authors of the engineering report say investments have simply not kept up with population growth and a growing economy.

"Many of the bridges in our community are in desperate need of repair," says Kelly Fukai, public and external affairs manager at Spokane International Airport and a member of the Washington State Transportation Commission. "We have some significant failures -- Some bridges that we had to actually close this summer and winter due to some climate-related impacts. We have potholes, we have congestion."

Spokane's experience is not unique.

"Infrastructure investment benefits all corners of the state," says Dale Lemmons, president of Signature Transport and the Washington Trucking Associations.

Read more at AWB News or contact AWB’s Mike Ennis to learn more and get involved.