(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris today declared victory in their efforts to secure critical federal funding for the 5th Congressional District’s transportation priorities. The Members of Congress secured $29.6 million for the region in legislation reauthorizing surface transportation spending through 2009.
TEA-LU, which passed the House today and is expected to clear the Senate later today, sets the funding levels for highways, ferries, and transit programs for the next six years.
“Our transportation infrastructure is vital to the economic stability and growth of Eastern Washington,” said Rep. McMorris. “Improving the flow of traffic, expanding our highways to transport products grown and made in our region, and providing better conditions to make our roads safer are all benefits of these projects.”
“I am proud to have partnered with Rep. McMorris and Sen. Cantwell to stand up for the transportation needs of Eastern Washington,” Senator Murray said. “In a tough budget year, under tough conditions, we stood together to make the investments that will create jobs, improve safety and lay the foundation for our region’s future economic growth.”
“We need to think of these federal funds as an investment. These are well spent dollars that will create jobs, improve our quality of life, and literally keep our economy moving,” Senator Cantwell said. “I’m proud of the way the delegation has worked together in these tight financial times to make sure Washington gets the improvements our communities need.”
Spokane University District, Riverside Avenue Extensions – $2.5 million
This funding will support economic development activities in Spokane’s University District. Specifically, the funding will be used to extend Riverside Avenue east along the south side of the Spokane River to connect with Trent Avenue at Perry Street, eliminating the need for an arterial crossing of the river and help relieve traffic congestion.
Ferry and Okanogan Counties, Toroda Creek Road Improvements – $2.5 million
This funding will be used to improve capacity, mobility, and safety along Toroda Creek Road in Ferry and Okanogan Counties.
U.S. 395/North Spokane Corridor — $6.64 million
The North Spokane Corridor is located in northeast Spokane and is a multimodal transportation facility that provides a 10.5 mile limited access link between three highways: I-90, US 2 and US 395. Funds will be used to advance the project design, purchase critical right of way, and supplement project construction. This project is expected to improve travel time by 22% and reduce 700 accidents per year.
U.S. 12 Improvements, Burbank to Walla Walla Lane – $5.94 million
The US 12 project will rebuild the highway into a four-lane divided highway from Burbank to Walla Walla. US 12 is the main east-west route in southeast Washington and officials consider improving US 12 critical to the regional transportation infrastructure. The existing US 12 highway will become a county road, ensuring local access for the surrounding communities.
I-90, Spokane to Idaho State Line – $9.94 million
The I-90 project will reconstruct the existing lanes of I-90 and add two additional lanes from the Sullivan Road Interchange to the Idaho State Line. I-90 is a major commute and travel route for Spokane County and North Idaho with traffic volumes exceeding 100,000 vehicles per day. It is also a Strategic Freight Corridor and freight traffic is expected to increase by 30% over the next 10 years. Two sections of this corridor have been designated as “High Accident Corridor” locations. This project, in addition to providing congestion mitigation, will provide the highway with updated safety features to help reduce collisions.
Bridging the Valley – $800,000
Development of highway-rail crossings in Spokane County and Kootenai County
Fleshman Way/State Route 129 Interchange Improvements Project – $840,000
Spokane Advanced Traffic Management System Expansion — $440,000
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