OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Governor Jay Inslee has tapped an Oregon transit and land use advocate for his new Secretary of Transportation. Lynn Peterson will leave her job with Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber where she serves as his Sustainable Communities advisor. Previously, as Clackamas County Chair, Peterson developed a reputation as a supporter of mass transit. Governor Inslee says Peterson will bring a “new vision for transportation” to Washington.
"That will help coordinate our transportation with our land use planning, and will help incorporate some of the new goals we need to have in our transportation system, which includes a reduction in carbon pollution and helping us lead healthier lives."
Peterson replaces Paula Hammond who has served as Washington Secretary of Transportation since 2007. Hammond had applied to keep her job. She now plans to retire from the agency.
Peterson will face multiple challenges in her new post including: declining revenues from the gas tax, aging road surfaces, a cash-strapped ferry system and mega projects like the 520 Bridge over Seattle’s Lake Washington and the new Columbia River Crossing between Washington and Oregon.
On the Web:
Gov. Inslee's cabinet appointments - Office of the Governor
