U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $25.9 Million in Grants for Washington Highway Projects |
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Topics: Ray LaHood
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Federal Highway Administration
17 August 2011
FHWA 37-11
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Contact: Kelly Hanahan
Tel: 202-366-0660
Funds will help create jobs by constructing trails, making intermodal improvements and preserving access to national parks
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced more than $25.9 million in grants for Washington to fund an array of highway-related efforts ranging from completing environmental review and design for the new Columbia River Crossing to constructing a new overpass in Ridgefield.
"Transportation investments like these will create jobs and improve the quality of life for Washington residents as well as strengthen the state's economy," said Secretary LaHood. "The demand from the states for these funds shows just how critical the need is for infrastructure investment."
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invited states to apply in June for federal funding from 14 grant programs. Requests poured in from every state, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. – more than 1,800 applications, totaling nearly $13 billion, which is more than 30 times the funds available.
"At a time when states are facing serious budgetary constraints, these grants will help fill a critical need," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "Investments like these are immediate and long-lasting and will help create jobs."
Congress created the discretionary grant programs to give FHWA the latitude to support projects that maintain the nation's roads and bridges, improve roadway safety and make communities more livable. In previous years, Congress designated some of this grant money for specific projects and FHWA awarded the remainder through a competitive process. Because the FY11 budget passed by Congress last April directed that all such funds be discretionary, FHWA awarded these funds through a competitive process.
Washington received funding for the following projects:
| PROJECT | AWARD |
|---|---|
| Constructing an overpass and two grade crossings at Pioneer Street in Ridgefield | $3,500,000 |
| Preserving vehicle access to the Olympic National Park's Hoh Rain Forest | $3,425,442 |
| Constructing a new ferry boat in Wahkiakum County | $2,800,000 |
| Completing environmental review and design for the Columbia River Crossing replacement | $2,000,000 |
| Improving safety and connectivity on the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way | $1,800,800 |
| Boat replacement and utility upgrades on the Keller Ferry on SR 21 on the Colville Reservation | $1,600,000 |
| Constructing the South 200th Street Intermodal Station in SeaTac | $1,304,400 |
| Constructing a new ferry for the Port of Port Townsend in Jefferson County | $1,304,000 |
| Constructing pedestrian and bike access across the I-5 corridor in Burlington | $1,040,000 |
| Installing a roundabout at Haxton Way, Northgate Road and Smokehouse Road on the Lummi Reservation | $1,000,000 |
| Completing the Downtown Tacoma Streetscape Project on Pacifica Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets | $978,300 |
| Access improvements and renovation of the Port of Kingston | $764,000 |
| Constructing the Kalispel Cultural Rest Area in the Kalispel Indian Community | $714,466 |
| Constructing the final mile of the 6-mile Cushman Trail | $652,200 |
| Completion of the first link of a multiuse trail in Steveson and feasibility study for additions to the Bridge of the Gods | $504,800 |
| Creating a Joint Base Lewis-McChord/I-5 Congestion Relief Action Plan | $439,362 |
| Developing a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Supportive Services Program | $378,300 |
| Viewshed Protection on the North Cascades Scenic Highway | $339,508 |
| Improving pedestrian access at the Friday Harbor Terminal in San Juan County | $240,790 |
| Improving safety on the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway on the Skokomish Indian Reservation | $229,920 |
| Establishing an Interpretive Gateway for the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway | $208,080 |
| Developing a Corridor Management Plan for the Fire and Ice Scenic Loop | $199,200 |
| Creating direct access from the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway to trail system | $193,000 |
| Expanding alternate transportation options on the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway | $171,680 |
| Installing signs along the Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway on the Makah Indian Reservation | $81,199 |
| Developing a Corridor Management Plan for the Mt. Rainier Gateway Scenic Byway | $68,000 |
| TOTAL | $25,937,447 |
A complete state-by-state list of this year's grant recipients is available online at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1137/.