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U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs, Washington, D.C., www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm - News

FHWA 37-11
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Contact: Kelly Hanahan
Tel: 202-366-0660

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $25.9 Million in Grants for Washington Highway Projects

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/.

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Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000