Senate passes $15 billion transportation package

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Senate has approved a $15 billion transportation revenue package that includes an incremental gas tax increase of 11.7 cents over the next three years.

The chamber passed the revenue bill Monday on a 27-22 vote and negotiations with the House will begin.

Under the 16-year plan, the gas tax would increase in three stages: a 5-cent increase would take effect this summer, a 4.2-cent increase would follow next year, and then a final 2.5-cent increase would take effect the following year.

The Senate proposal includes more than $8 billion for road projects across the state and puts money toward transit and local rail projects, as well as bike paths and pedestrian walkways. It also would allow Sound Transit to ask voters to fund potential expansions of its rail line.