Olympia, WA- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) met with Gov. Christine Gregoire, Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond, and state legislators in Olympia today as part of her efforts to help complete the North Spokane Freeway and advance other Eastern Washington priorities.  The Congresswoman is coordinating with state, local, and federal leaders to promote funding for the Freeway – a multi-generational project that will connect trade routes throughout Eastern Washington, the region, and Canada, helping farmers and small business owners transport their goods and commodities throughout North America.

“I appreciate Governor Gregoire and Secretary Hammond for taking the time to meet with me today to talk about the North Spokane Freeway and other Eastern Washington transportation projects,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “The North Spokane Freeway is an effective multimodal transportation system that has the potential to create thousands of jobs and bring hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue to our community.  The state government has taken the lead in funding the Freeway, but the federal government has a role to play, as well.  And by working together at the state, local, and federal levels, I know we can earn enough support to get it completed.  Today’s meetings were an important step in doing exactly that.”

On January 26, 2012, Rep. McMorris Rodgers hosted a meeting of regional stakeholders to develop plans to complete the Freeway. 

The Congresswoman also held meetings today with Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, and the House and Senate Republican Caucuses.  She updated them on transportation and other issues she’s working on that directly affect Washington State – including bringing the new tankers to Fairchild Air Force Base, bringing a medical school to Spokane, and expanding hydropower production.