The project consists of the design and construction of multi-level decked parking structures on the two existing Park and Ride lots. The $10 million appropriation would help fund both the Eastlake and the Federal Way project. The total cost is $24 million, and local funds are already set aside for the project.

"In order to maintain both our high quality of life and our current economic boom, we must improve our transportation system," said Smith. "Making mass transit easier is part of the solution, and the Federal Way Park and Ride is a good place to start. I live just a few miles away from it and know how incredibly crowded it gets."

Today Smith sent a letter to the Transportation Appropriations bill House and Senate conferees, the Members responsible for ironing out the differences between each chamber's version of the transportation spending legislation, requesting that the $10 million be included in the final bill. The House of Representatives doesn't typically earmark projects in an Appropriations bill, but the Senate does. The Park and Ride project is included in the Senate version of the bill.

"Since the Senate has already designated the Federal Way Park and Ride project to receive funds, I'm simply trying to ensure that those funds stay in the final version of the bill," said Smith.

The Park and Ride project has been one of Smith's transportation project priorities all year. He first sent a letter to the Transportation Committee Chair and Ranking Member and Surface Transportation Subcommittee Chair and Ranking Member on February 24 outlining his transportation priorities, which included the Regional Transit Authority, the FAST Corridor project, and the Federal Way Park and Ride. 

On March 26, Smith sent a letter to the Appropriations Committee Chair and Ranking Member and Transportation Subcommittee Chair and Ranking Member specifically urging approval of the Federal Way Park and Ride project and outlined its benefits.

"I'm very optimistic about our chances of seeing the funding come through," Smith said. "We have made a strong case as to why the Federal Way Park and Ride project is important and worth the investment."

The House and Senate conferees are expected to meet by the end of the month. Their compromise will then return to the House and the Senate for final approval before it goes to the President's desk.