"The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma combined are the second largest ports on the West Coast," explained Smith. "A huge amount of freight is shipped in and out every day, and much of it is carried by rail — resulting in a lot of congestion and traffic in the Puget Sound region."

The Fast Corridor project would alleviate much of that congestion with a program of grade separations, meaning that trains would run either above or below roads, thereby greatly lessening backups and congestion. The Fast Corridor would run from the Port of Seattle to the Port of Tacoma, primarily following the path of Military Road and Highway 167 through the Kent and Auburn valleys.

Smith said he has listened to complaints from cities, counties, and citizens about the problems of increased rail traffic. "The high volumes of rail traffic are a good thing for the economy, but it's hard to remember that when you get stuck behind a train, and you're in a rush to drop your kids off at school and get to work on time," he said. "This project would benefit both the economy and local communities."

The Fast Corridor project is expected to cost around $389 million total, but only $87 million in federal funds. The project needs to be authorized by Congress, and Smith says that's why it's so important for Transportation Chair Shuster to visit the area.

Smith, Shuster, Governor Gary Locke and Seattle Mayor Norm Rice will spend tomorrow morning traveling the area and visiting various rail crossings. They will hold a press conference at a grade crossing at xxxxx at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Smith says securing funding for the Fast Corridor project is a top transportation priority for him, although he acknowledges it may be an uphill battle. "The Fast Corridor is a demonstration project, and in this time of tight budgets, we may have a tough time," Smith admitted. "But with our economy becoming more and more trade-based, movement of exports and imports will only increase this kind of rail volume. The Fast Corridor can be an example of how to handle the freight traffic in an urban setting, and I believe it would be an appropriate investment."