For Immediate Release:

Monday, June 30, 2003

Senator Murray receives an award recognizing her commitment to Washington State's transportation infrastructure at a celebration of the progress of the US Highway 12 expansion project from Burbank to Walla Walla. The project consists of widening US Highway 12 from Burbank to Walla Walla from two lanes to four lanes, with a large median in the middle of the road. The widening of US Highway 12 will significantly improve safety. Since 1991, US Highway 12 from Burbank to Walla Walla has experienced 975 accidents, of which 370 were injured and 28 were killed. The widening project is expected to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes by 40 percent. (Read Remarks)