Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington State gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi has rolled-out his plan for fixing Washington roads. Rossi, a Republican, wants to spend $15 billion to reduce congestion and encourage people to buy hybrid cars. Correspondent Austin Jenkins has details.

Rossi would do something Democrats consider sacrilege. He would take money from the general fund – that’s the pot of money that funds schools, prisons and healthcare – and use it to build roads.

Specifically Rossi would take 40-percent of the tax the state collects from automobile sales.

Dino Rossi: “Right now we’re stuck in traffic unfortunately. And that’s what this is about. It’s rooted in freedom. You making the decision to say where you want to go, when you want to go. As opposed to what’s really out there right now and forcing people out of their cars which is the option that my opponent has taken which is I think the wrong direction.”

Rossi would also open carpool lanes to all traffic during non-peak hours. Replace the Seattle Viaduct with a tunnel. And eliminate the sales tax on hybrid and electric cars.

Democrats say Rossi wants to divert money from healthcare and education to pay for his quote magic roads plan.