The 2025 legislative session has concluded, and I’m proud to share some of the meaningful progress we’ve made. Despite difficult budget decisions, we passed a forward-thinking transportation budget that invests in safety, sustainability, and economic opportunity. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I worked to ensure these investments reflect the real needs of Washingtonians—especially right here in the 27th District.
Transportation Budget Wins for the 27th District
This year, our budget is about retaining funds for important transportation projects that increase access to transit, create more opportunities for walking and biking, improve freight mobility, and maintain our roads. Our 2025 transportation budget retains funding for projects, including:
- Puyallup Avenue Transit/Complete Street Improvements
- Pierce Transit High-Capacity Transit Service Expansion
- Pierce Transit SR 7 Express Service (Tacoma to Parkland/Spanaway)
- I-5 S 38th St to JBLM HOV Improvements
- I-5/Port of Tacoma Road Interchange Upgrades
- SR 167/SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway Project
- I-5 Tacoma HOV Improvements (Nickel/TPA funded)
- Tacoma Rail: Alexander Wye & Storage Track Upgrades
- Schuster Parkway Trail enhancements
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Pierce Transit – Port of Tacoma Service Support
These investments will reduce congestion, expand mobility options, and support a cleaner and more connected South Sound. Projects like the Puget Sound Gateway Program, which completes missing links in our highway and freight network, remain on track. When completed, this project will create 4.5 miles of sidewalks and nearly 14 miles of new bicycle and pedestrian paths.
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Schuster Parkway
Additional Bill Highlights:
This year, we boosted compensation for ferry workers (SHB 1264) to ensure reliable service, and supports Pierce Transit’s expansion efforts, including SR 7 express service and new high-capacity routes. These steps help deliver more equitable and efficient public transit to our communities.
Also, I sponsored HB 1605, which creates a longevity bonus for experienced Washington State Patrol officers—helping us address recruitment and retention issues that impact safety across our highways.
Governor Ferguson signs HB 1605
Beyond those bills, I also sponsored SHB 1774 which gives the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) more flexibility to lease unused highway land for community benefit—like housing, parks, public transportation, and salmon habitat restoration. Instead of letting vacant parcels sit idle, WSDOT can now consider the social, environmental, and economic value of proposed projects when negotiating lease terms with nonprofits, local governments, or tribal partners.
Celebrating New Life Apartments at Hilltop
This week, I attended the celebratory ribbon cutting for the James and Marilyn Walton and Lily V. Brazill New Life Apartments. It was more than just a celebration of new housing—it was a testament to the strength, resilience, and vision of the Hilltop community.
Shiloh Baptist Church New Life Housing received $1M in the 2023 capital budget.
These homes were built by Hilltop, for Hilltop—honoring the legacy of longtime mentors and leaders who paved the way for generational opportunity and belonging. I’m proud to see this kind of investment in our neighborhoods, where housing meets history and hope.
Thank you to Shiloh Baptist Church of Tacoma WA and the Tacoma Branch NAACP for your leadership and presence at today’s ceremony. Your voices continue to inspire and uplift this community. Thank you to my fellow legislators, Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and Senator T'wina Nobles for supporting this effort and showing up with me today for this community.
Special thanks to my mentor and friend, James Walton, who has been a longtime inspiration to me. It was a great day for the 27th!
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Looking Ahead: Sustainable Funding & Stakeholder Engagement
While this budget moves us forward, the work isn’t done. In the months ahead, I’ll continue meeting with stakeholders, transportation leaders, and residents.
One key challenge is the decline of gas tax revenues as more drivers switch to electric and hybrid vehicles. To prepare for the future, we’re beginning the conversation around a Highway Usage Fee—a fair, sustainable funding solution that ensures everyone contributes to maintaining our infrastructure.
As always, it’s an honor to serve you. Please reach out with your ideas or questions—I value your voice as we shape the next chapter of Washington’s transportation future.
Rep. Jake Fey
Chair, House Transportation Committee
27th Legislative District
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