Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, who represents Kenmore residents, released the following statement on the failure of the Senate to pass a transportation funding package:

“I was extremely disappointed that the Senate did not pass a transportation funding package in the 2013 session. This funding package was supported by the business community, by labor groups, by the environmental community and by local governments because of its broad support for important job-creation projects across the state. It was passed out of the House on a bipartisan vote but the Republican majority in the Senate blocked it from moving forward.

“The package would have created 100,000 jobs state-wide and would have provided a funding option to prevent devastating cuts to King County Metro. It would have funded key projects right here in the 46th district, like major improvements to State Route 522, an important pedestrian bridge over I-5 at the Northgate Transit Center, completion of the Burke-Gilman Trail and pedestrian safety improvements along Lake City Way and Bothell Way, among others.

“The final coup-de-grace was the procedural vote today to block its consideration.  All but one Democrat voted yes; all of the members of the Republican dominated Majority Coalition Caucus voted against proceeding.

“I thank the leaders in the Senate and the House who helped the package move as far as it did and I look forward to working with them at reviving this proposal to find ways to sustain and support local transit, create construction jobs and strengthen our long-term economic future.”