(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) announced that she has secured $4.89 million for transportation, housing and economic development priorities throughout eastern Washington. The funding has been included as part of the Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary Housing and Urban Development (TTHUD) Appropriations bill. Senator Murray is the highest ranking Democrat on the TTHUD Appropriations Subcommittee.
“The investments made in this bill give eastern Washington communities the fiscal tools to address their transportation, housing and quality of life concerns,” said Senator Murray. “While the federal budget continues to be squeezed, I have continued to fight for investments to be made here at home. Today, I am proud to see that those efforts have paid off and will benefit programs and people in eastern Washington.”
In the TTHUD bill Senator Murray was able to allocate $2.8 million for rural public transportation needs. The funds will go towards the purchase of 13 new vehicles in Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla and Pullman.
“We cannot let the public transportation needs of rural communities be overshadowed by high profile urban projects,” said Senator Murray. “In this bill I have made sure to include funding for rural counties that have expressed mobility concerns.”
Funding for eastern Washington projects includes:
Agriculture Freight Supply Chain Analysis — $170,000
Funding secured by Senator Murray for this project will allow for research to be completed on the apple, potato, wheat, and grain freight supply chains. This study will focus on how to improve the freight system to better assist agricultural growers and farmers, processed food manufacturing, and food distribution centers that rely on freight service to reach markets.
Columbia County Public Transportation Vehicle Replacement — $120,000
This funding will enable Columbia County Public Transportation to purchase two new vehicles to support rural mobility needs.
Garfield County Public Transportation Vehicle Replacement — $70,000
This funding will enable Garfield County Public Transportation to purchase two new vehicles to support rural mobility needs.
Pullman Transit Vehicle Replacement — $1 million
This funding will enable Pullman Transit to purchase up to 6 new vehicles, including an ADA van, to support rural mobility needs.
Spokane Post Street Centennial Trail and Utility Bridge — $2 million
The funding secured by Senator Murray will enable the city of Spokane to reconstruct the Post Street bridge, which provides a pedestrian connection between downtown Spokane and the University District redevelopment, and carries the city’s main sewer line, which also serves the City of Spokane Valley. The city has already secured $5 million for design and construction and the funding provided will complete the project.
US-12 Improvements from Burbank to Walla Walla — $1 million
This project will support environmental documentation and design for the for the next four-lane project in the forty mile long US-12 corridor from Burbank to Walla Walla. Phase 7 includes design and environmental documentation. The proposed project will widen US-12 from 2 to 4 lanes to improve capacity and expand economic development. Senator Murray secured $12 million for this project in previous years.
Valley Transit Vehicle Replacement — $230,000
This funding will enable Valley Transit, which serves Walla Walla County, to purchase 3 new vehicles to support rural mobility needs.
East Central Community Center Expansion Project — $300,000
This funding will support the East Central Community Organization’s efforts to expand the East Central Community Center to allow for expanded services. Specifically, the funding will help complete the first phase of the neighborhood resource expansion project. The Center offers a range of services, including: Headstart; a senior center; adult education and language courses; a supplemental food program for pregnant women, infants, and children; among others.
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