Marlene Feist, Director of Strategic Development, Public Works & Utilities, No Phone Number Available
Friday, June 3, 2016 at 10:01 a.m.
The City of Spokane’s new Pedestrian Master Plan has received a Judge’s Merit Award as part of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s Smart Communities Awards Program.
The Plan was recognized for supporting a more walkable Spokane, encouraging a high-quality walking environment that supports increased levels of physical activity, important connections to transit, and more transportation options for all. The Plan is part of the on-going City transportation planning effort named LINK Spokane.
In a letter supporting the award application, Mayor David Condon noted the importance of planning for pedestrian needs. “Walking is the most fundamental transportation choice—the starting place for all journeys. As people move between the places they visit throughout the day, all their trips—even if by car, transit or bicycle—start with a walk,” the Mayor wrote.
Mayor Condon says the new plan supports the continued investment in pedestrian improvements, and he points to the planned University District Gateway bike-pedestrian bridge as a great example of new work that will remove barriers and enhance connections to our downtown and higher education center. The bridge will span the railroad viaduct in the growing University District and will serve the students, faculty and commuters who come to the area every day. Construction on that bridge is slated to begin in 2017.
In a news release announcing the Smart Communities Award winners, Gov. Inslee said, “These community projects demonstrate how creative, collaborative planning helps shape a strong future for local economies and contribute to the long-term vitality of our state economy. I extend my congratulations to these award winners that are a model for other communities all over Washington State.”
The full list of winners is available on the Washington state Department of Commerce’s web site. The awards program recognizes outstanding efforts of counties, cities, and towns, and their partners throughout the state to create quality communities by achieving the goals of the Growth Management Act and other community development objectives.
