Everett officials are compiling their wish list of transportation projects they’ll ask the state and federal government to help pay for. At the moment, it’s a short list — that’s not a surprise, given the budget situation of the state. All four projects are targeted to improve access to job centers, Mayor Ray Stephanson said.

On the top of that list is turning the shoulder of northbound I-5 from North Everett to Marysville into an extra lane that could be used when traffic is at its worst in the afternoon or when a crash has traffic clogged. The ballpark project cost: $34 million.

The other projects on the wish list include replacing a portion of the U.S. 2 trestle that’s as old as the viaduct; improving the Everett Mall Way ramp onto southbond I-5; and improving a freight route from I-5 to the Port.

About the U.S. 2 trestle, the mayor said, “It’s important to remember that structure is as old as the viaduct and is in similar condition. In a catastrophic event we could lose that westbound lane.”