City to receive significant state transportation funding

Amber Waldref, 509.868.9219

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 4:40 p.m.

Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law today a 2017-2019 State Transportation Budget Bill that includes a long list of projects benefiting the City of Spokane and the entire Spokane region. The budget continues full funding for the North Spokane Corridor and STA’s Central City Line, as well as new funding for improved bus service on the N. Monroe to S. Regal Corridor, a new Transit Station at Spokane Falls Community College, resurfacing the Triangle Truss pedestrian bridge in Riverfront Park, and many other notable projects.

“The City Council greatly appreciates Governor Inslee and the State Legislature’s continued investment in all modes of transportation that benefit our people and our economy,” said Council Member Amber Waldref. “These investments help match a local voter-approved bond to revitalize Riverfront Park and future Federal dollars to build the first bus rapid transit project in Eastern Washington: the Central City Line.”

Several local legislators led the way to ensure Spokane projects received support from both the House and Senate before going to the Governor’s desk for approval. “As the City Council legislative team, Council Member Waldref and I would like to particularly acknowledge Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-3rd) for his strong advocacy for transit, Sen. Michael Baumgartner (R-6th) for ensuring continued North Spokane Corridor funding, and Sen. Andy Billig (D-3rd) for his support of bike/pedestrian investments, especially rehabilitation of the Riverfront Park Triangle Truss Bridge over the Spokane River,” noted Council Member Mumm.

Here is an overview of Spokane-area projects funded in the 2017-2019 Transportation Budget:

HIGHWAYS

  • North Spokane Corridor/US 395 Project: $75.1 million in 2017-19 biennium, $809.9 million in the following five biennia;
  • I-90, Medical Lake & Geiger Interchanges: $4.0 million in 2017-19 biennium, $22.6 million in the following two biennia;
  • US 2/Division & Browne Paving Project from I-90 to Euclid Ave.: $4.0 million in 2017-19 biennium;
  • SR 290/Trent Paving Project from Hamilton St. to Mission Ave.: $2.1 million in 2017-19 biennium;
  • I-90, Spokane Area Traffic Volume Collection study: $600,000 in 2017-19 biennium;

TRANSIT

  • N. Monroe/S. Regal Line High Performance Transit Corridor Improvements (Spokane Transit): $3.9 million in 2017-19 biennium;
  • Central City Line (Spokane Transit): $8.2 million in 2017-19 biennium, $6 million in the following two biennia;
  • Spokane Falls CC Transit Station (Spokane Transit): $2.1 million in 2017-19 biennium;

PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE

  • University District Gateway Bridge: $8.5 million in 2017-19 biennium;
  • Triangle Truss Bridge in Riverfront Park: $300,000 in 2017-19 biennium;

RAIL

  • West Plains/Spokane International Airport Rail Development: $2.0 million in 2017-19 biennium.