SEATTLE (NEWS1130) – As we continue to debate how to fund transportation improvements, our neighbours to the south have gone ahead with an ambitious plan.

Washington State passed a $15-billion transportation package in the State Senate yesterday. The gas tax will go up by 11.7 cents per gallon to pay for it.

The transportation improvements are supposed to be felt across the Evergreen state; they include a number of highway and bridge improvements, including the I-405 freeway. It also means re-built bridges, widened roads, new bike lanes and pedestrian walkways and local rail projects.

The funding passed by a narrow 27-22 vote and also included a spending bill that allocates the money to specific projects.

“There [are] packages in every part of the state, not just one or two high-profile projects,” said Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, during debate on the floor.

Governor Jay Inslee is exploring an executive order that would require fuel producers to reduce the carbon content of gas — cutting green house gas emissions but likely further raising gas prices.

Both Democrats and Republicans admit the bill will create thousands of jobs.