(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray, ranking member of the Senate Transportation, Treasury, and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, has secured millions of dollars in federal funding for Eastern Washington’s transportation priorities. The funding will address critical infrastructure needs throughout the region including roads, buses, airports and transit facilities.
The full Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill earlier today.
The funding, which Murray earmarked specifically for Eastern Washington, is in addition to the formula funding the state received annually from the federal government. In 2004, the state will get $542,767,926 in Federal Highway Administration grant funding and $101,731,719 in Federal Transit Administration grant funding.
“I am proud to have helped secure these critical federal dollars for transportation projects throughout Eastern Washington. By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we are creating good-paying construction jobs today and paving the way for future economic growth,” Senator Murray said. “Our region is facing tough times and these dollars will help improve our quality of life and increase economic prosperity.”
EASTERN WASHINGTON PROJECTS
Spokane, University District Transportation Safety Enhancement Project ($1 million) – This project will provide pedestrian safety enhancements and transportation infrastructure within the City’s proposed University District. The City’s proposed University District Project will provide economic development, create jobs and reinvigorate the downtown core by making substantial improvements to the Riverpoint Campus area.
The House did not secure any funding for this project.
U.S. 395, North Spokane Corridor ($1 million) – This project consists of building a 10.5 mile long limited access corridor linking I-90 and existing U.S. 395. This is an important commuter and freight route in the Spokane region. Senator Murray secured $11 million in federal funding for this project in previous appropriations.
Spokane International Airport, Air Traffic Control Tower & TRACON ($6 million) – Spokane is going through the process of relocating and constructing a new Air Traffic Control Tower and TRACON. Senator Murray secured $7.12 million for this project in previous appropriations.
SR 31, All Weather Roadway Construction and Widening (Pend Oreille County) ($1.6 million) – This funding will allow the County to finish the design of the roadway and proceed to purchase the required right-of-way. Because the pavement is outdated, certain trucks are banned from using the road during certain times of the year. This pavement enables all vehicles to use the road throughout the year.
The House did not secure any funding for this project.
Intermodal Transload Facility, Quincy, WA ($2 million) – The project will provide a rail loop to agricultural facilities and the BNSF mainline in Grant County. This loop is vital to maintaining access for agriculture businesses to their various markets.
The House did not secure any funding for this project.
I-182, Queensgate to SR 240 (Richland) ($2 million) – This project will provide an additional lane on I-182 in each direction from the Queensgate Interchange to Thayer Drive/SR 240 Interchange. There is a high exchange of trips between these two interchanges. The additional lanes will allow the local traffic to move safely from interchange to interchange, eliminating the need for this slow moving traffic to merge with the high-speed mainline traffic traveling at 70-miles per hour. Senator Murray secured $7.5 million in improvements to this Interstate in previous appropriations.
The House did not secure any funding for this project.
Port of Pasco, Ainsworth Avenue Realignment and Sacagawea Heritage Trail Project ($3 million) – This project will help realign and widen Ainsworth Avenue through the Big Pasco Industrial Center (BPIC). This arterial provides the main vehicular access to Sacagawea State Park, at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, which sits on federal land leased from the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The new route will divert through-traffic out from between large industrial warehouses where the road is frequently blocked by truck staging and railcar operations. The second feature of this project includes a two mile paved pedestrian trail to provide access into Sacagawea State Park. The trail through the Port will provide an opportunity to safely view industrial activity and allow outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy the unique habitat of the region.
The House did not secure any funding for this project.
WA Small Bus System Program of Pfojects
This group of projects helps provide bus replacement and needed equipment to several smaller transit agencies in the state of Washington. Senator Murray secured $8.89 million for this statewide group of Small Buss System of Projects in the past.
Colville Confederated Tribe – Inchelium/Gifford Bridge Feasibility Study ($120,000) – When the water levels on Lake Roosevelt (Columbia River) become too low, the Colville Confederated Tribe’s ferry cannot run. People must travel an additional 53 miles to get across the Lake. The Tribe is looking to study the possibility of replacing the ferry with a bridge.
The House did not secure any funding for this project.
Washington State University, Infrastructure Renewal Research Project ($1.5 million) – This project will provide resources for WSU to research in three areas: 1) health monitoring of bridges; 2) rapid repair of infrastructure; and 3) environmental factors of bridges and bridge construction.
The House did not secure any funding for this project.
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