(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – After working for a year to secure $245 million in funding for Washington state transportation projects, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today announced the federal Department of Transportation has released one installment totaling several million dollars for 13 projects throughout the state.
Among the projects receiving funding this week are the South Bay Taylor Dock Project in Bellingham, the US-395 North Spokane Corridor Project, and the Grade Separation Project in Yakima.
Additional funding will be released for each of these 13 projects as soon as the federal transportation act is reauthorized.
The funding, which was contained in the FY2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill in January, represents part of the $245 million Murray fought for as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Transportation Appropriations subcommittee. The complete Omnibus Appropriations bill includes important funds for Washington State’s roads, buses, airports, ferries and transit facilities.
The Washington state funding included by Murray is in addition to the formula funding the state receives annually from the federal government. In fiscal year 2004, the state will receive more than $600 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration grants.
“I am proud to have worked so hard to bring these vital resources back to the Washington communities to help with these important projects,” Senator Murray said. “This investment in our state’s transportation infrastructure ensures good-paying, much-needed jobs today and continued economic growth for years to come.”
Included below is a detailed list of projects receiving funding by region:
CENTRAL WASHINGTON
Yakima Grade Separation – Released This Week: $579,892
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $420,108
The City of Yakima has seen a dramatic increase in emergency vehicle response time and increasing general traffic congestion in the downtown area since the reopening of Stampede Pass. This funding will complete the grade separations being constructed on the rail line. Senator Murray secured $8.225 million in federal funding for this project in previous appropriations.
I-182, Queensgate to SR 240 (Richland) – Released This Week: $1,159,783
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $840,217
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.
NORTHWEST WASHINGTON
Bellingham, Coast Millennium Trail – South Bay Taylor Dock Project – Released This Week: $289,946
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $210,054
This project will help complete a key .34 mile segment of the regional Coast Millennium Trail, which is planned to extend from Skagit County into British Columbia. It specifically provides a missing link in the City of Bellingham’s existing South Bay Trail, connecting downtown with Fairhaven.
EASTERN WASHINGTON
U.S. 395, North Spokane Corridor – Released This Week: $579,892
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $420,108
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.
SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
C-TRAN, VAST Intelligent Transportation System – Released This Week: $863,981
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $739,019
This project will help C-TRAN continue the deployment of advanced traveler information systems (such as real-time arrival kiosks at transit centers) and a fleet maintenance management system.
I-5, Rush Road to Maytown Widening, Lewis County – Released This Week: $1,159,783
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $840,217
The project is one phase of I-5 corridor widening in Lewis County from Rush Road to 13th Street. The project will add one additional through lane on I-5 in each direction that will improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. In addition, the project will construct a new interchange on I-5, which will improve access to the Port of Chehalis.
OLYMPIC PENNINSULA
Skokomish Tribe Roadway Improvements – Released This Week: $735,363
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $564,637
This project will help the Skokomish Tribe complete improvements such as road widening, sidewalk construction and improved signs and streetlights.
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe – Access Road – Released This Week: $1,301,027
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $998,973
This project will help construct an all-weather primary access road connection from the Lower Elwha Klallam reservation to the Clallam County road system adjacent to the flood plain.
PUGET SOUND
I-405 Corridor Improvements – Released This Week: $1,159,783
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $840,217
This project is one of six first phase projects in the I-405 Corridor. It provides congestion relief from downtown Bellevue to I-90 and improves ramp merges to I-90. Senator Murray has secured $2 million for this project in previous appropriations.
King County, Countywide Signal Program – Released This Week: $809,982
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $690,018
This project will help implement signal synchronization, signal enhancements and intelligent transportation system applications along high priority corridors in King County. This project included will help reduce congestion, reduce commutes, improve freight mobility, increase transit efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance public safety.
Seattle City Center Intelligent Transportation System – Released This Week: $1,349,970
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $1,150,030
This project will provide traffic and signal control system improvements, variable message signs, traffic surveillance cameras and communications with railroad crossing signals in downtown Seattle. This project will help the City better manage traffic coming in and out of the Port of Seattle, rail yards, roadway traffic, and transit centers.
Auburn, Auburn Way South Intelligent Transportation System – Released This Week: $863,981
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $736,019
This project will improve signalization and commuter awareness in downtown Auburn.
STATEWIDE
Intelligent Transportation Systems Projects Throughout Washington – Released This Week: $1,079,976
Awaiting Federal Transportation Act Reauthorization: $920,024
This project provides resources to local communities and the state of Washington for use of new technologies that will improve traffic signals, reduce traffic, provide commuter information and improve car and truck safety.
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