LAKEWOOD, WA - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and the Puyallup-Sumner Chamber, recently convened a roundtable discussion with Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and local business leaders. Held at Pierce Transit in Lakewood, the conversation focused on the importance of a new federal surface transportation bill to support Washington’s economy and communities.
The event, part of the U.S. Chamber’s national infrastructure tour and the Keep America Moving initiative, continues to build momentum for renewing long-term federal funding for the nation’s roads, bridges, transit programs, and other freight and surface transportation infrastructure, which is scheduled to expire later this year.
“The South Sound relies on reliable and safe sidewalks, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to connect our communities and our region,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “It is critical to hear from local business leaders to ensure that our growing region’s infrastructure network is funded and supported – especially at the federal level.”
Representatives from the local business community and several Pierce County municipalities emphasized a variety of infrastructure priorities in the South Sound region. Specific projects discussed included the Fishing Wars Bridge, ongoing work to complete SR-167, and the need to extend light rail from Seattle to the Tacoma Dome. Additionally, several participants stressed the importance of providing more training for the workers needed to build these projects.
“Pierce County and the South Sound region is one of the Pacific Northwest’s key economic engines,” explained Chris Eyler, Vice President, Northwest Region for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Rep. Marilyn Strickland understands that safe, reliable transportation is essential for the businesses, workers, and communities that have made this region thrive, and we thank her for her commitment to working collaboratively to develop a modern transportation infrastructure in Washington state and across the country.”
“Investing in U.S. infrastructure isn’t just about getting from place to place—it’s about creating jobs, strengthening communities, and making our region the place for business. At a time when affordability is top of mind, this kind of investment delivers benefits for all communities in the South Sound.” stated Tom Pierson, President & CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. “We stand alongside with the US Chamber of Commerce nationally and applaud Congresswoman Strickland for her leadership, now is the time for leaders and partners at every level to work together and pass this critical legislation to keep our region moving forward.”
“The roundtable with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland provided an important forum for business, infrastructure, and community leaders to discuss the critical role federal transportation investment plays in supporting economic growth, workforce mobility, and regional competitiveness throughout Pierce County. We appreciate the Congresswoman’s continued leadership and engagement with the South Sound business community as we work collaboratively to advance infrastructure priorities that strengthen connectivity, support commerce, and position our region for long term economic success.”
Keep America Moving is a U.S. Chamber initiative that builds support for federal surface transportation reauthorization—set to expire on September 30, 2026—by convening events in congressional districts nationwide and engaging policymakers in Washington.
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