A joint resolution passed Tuesday by the Snohomish County Council and Executive John Lovick establishes Thursday, April 9 as Stand Up For Transportation Day to highlight the critical need to invest in our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

According to a new release from Councilmember Stephanie Wright, who represents Edmonds on the County Council, Snohomish County joins with public transportation agencies, cities, counties, and businesses around the country to encourage greater federal investment in public transportation infrastructure. Transportation is an essential part of our nation’s economy and public transportation an important part of our nation’s transportation system.

“We need long-term plans and solutions from all levels of government to maintain and improve our transportation infrastructure,” Wright said. “This funding is crucial to projects such as the Swift Line 2 that we’re trying to launch in Snohomish County.”

The news release states that public transportation is a proven catalyst for economic growth, as every $1 invested in public transportation generates $4 in local economic returns. With nearly 60 percent of trips taken for work commutes, public transportation offers millions of Americans access to economic opportunities and helps to sustain economically vibrant communities, the release said.

“Thriving communities like ours are dependent upon a strong transportation system,” said Executive John Lovick. “Good roads make up one half of the system. Public transportation is the other half that makes the system whole.”

In addition to establishing April 9, 2015 as Stand Up For Transportation Day, Snohomish County Joint Resolution 15-002 calls on Congress to pass a long-term, multimodal transportation bill by May 31, 2015 that makes the critical investments necessary in our transportation infrastructure.