Ivar’s exec: Chowder lovers want roads package

Add fans of clam chowder — or at least those who enjoy Ivar’s product — to those hoping lawmakers approve a plan to raise billions of dollars on transportation projects

“Chowder lovers need you to pass the transportation bill,” Ivar’s Inc. president Bob Donegan says on a video message emailed to lawmakers today. He says the number of daily deliveries of chowder from Mukilteo to Kent has dropped from three to two because of increased congestion on the highways.

The video message features a collection of business executives, elected city officials, and leaders of labor, environmental and transit organizations.

In all 16 people appeared in the 3-minute appeal to pass the plan which would raise $8.4 billion for transportation projects over the next dozen years primarily from a hike in the gas tax and higher vehicle registration-related fees.

House Bill 1954 is the current vehicle for the revenue package. It’s yet to pass in either chamber.