South King County leaders receive an overview on transportation in Washington State

October 27, 2010

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Pictured at the meeting from left to right Mayor of Pacific Dave Hill, WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond, King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer, and Federal Way Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge.

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer hosted a breakfast meeting for south King County business and civic leaders with the Secretary of Washington State Department of Transportation Paula Hammond as the guest speaker.

Paula Hammond was appointed Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation in 2007. The roundtable discussion gave the leaders in attendance first hand information on transportation issues and development in Washington State, as well as a chance to ask transportation questions particularly relating to South King County.

“Even with the limited amount of financial resources available, Secretary Hammond has brought opportunities to the transportation department,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “She is not just involved; she is committed to her job.”

As Secretary of WSDOT, Hammond manages an agency of 7,200 employees, with responsibility of 20,000 lane miles of highways, 3,500 bridges, general aviation airports, passenger and freight rail programs, and the Washington State Ferry system, the nations largest.

“As the state of Washington continues to grow, so does our need for effective transportation,” said Paula Hammond, Washington transportation secretary. “It is important to continually look at our operations and work to make them as efficient as possible.”

Hammond has committed her efforts to transparent project delivery and development of sustainable investment strategies for long-term safety, preservation and maintenance of the state’s infrastructure. Her key initiative is the development of Moving Washington, the state’s program to fight congestion and reduce emissions.