Lawmakers urge Washington Department of Transportation to clear encampments near highways
The Department of Transportation Secretary Roger Millar called clearing encampments "inhumane" and a "waste of resources." Some Washington state lawmakers disagree.
Author: Drew Mikkelsen
Updated: 7:55 PM PDT July 22, 2021
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington Transportation Secretary Roger Millar said it’s inhumane to sweep the homeless from encampments along state highways, but state law requires it, said two legislators who secured funds to get the areas cleaned up.
“This is a directive,” said Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, “It’s not an option.”
Barkis said he worked with House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Jake Fey to get more than $5 million for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to work with cities, counties and social service agencies to help get encampment residents placed in permanent housing.