Mukilteo would be one step closer to getting its long-planned ferry terminal if Congress approves a recommended $5.8 million boost from the federal government.
In all, more than $27 million may come to Snohomish County for key transportation projects as part of a six-year transportation package approved by the U.S. House Transportation Committee this week.
The money would help close a $15 million funding gap for the waterfront transportation center. An estimated $13.7 million still would be needed.
Washington State Ferries will continue to pursue other funding, said Russ East, director of terminal engineering.
Sound Transit, the Port of Everett, Mukilteo, the state Department of Transportation and the ferry system have collaborated on the project. When completed, the transit center will provide commuter train, bus and ferry service under one roof just east of the current ferry terminal.
The transportation center has been in the works for 15 years; it stalled when changes in the original plan bumped the price tag up to $152 million.
Key among a series of revisions is a plan to park up to 350 cars on a pier, freeing up space for the city and Port of Everett to develop a promenade with retail outlets, condominiums, beach access or other options.
Construction of the ferry terminal is expected to start in July 2008 and last two years.
Mukilteo Mayor Don Doran said he is hopeful that Congress will approve the bill. Last year’s version of the transportation bill did not pass before Congress adjourned.
“This is fantastic news,” Doran said. “As we gain more and more attention from the state and federal government that this a priority to them, the more confidence we have that we can begin to solve one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the north end of town.”
He said the new facility would help ease traffic congestion that is paralyzing the community.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., a member of the House Transportation Committee, and U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., combined efforts to secure the $5.8 million.
The full House will vote on the bill next week. The Senate and President Bush also must approve the plan.
Other key Snohomish County projects in the package include:
* $3.5 million for widening E. Marine View Drive in Everett.
* $3 million for Community Transit’s bus purchases and facilities enhancements.
* $2.93 million for Granite Falls’ alternate freight route, a loop road that would get gravel trucks out of downtown.
* $2.6 million to widen the 41st Street I-5 overpass in Everett and $1 million a 41st Street interchange.
* $1.5 million for widening Highway 527 in Bothell and Mill Creek.
* $1.5 million for work on Highway 9 in Snohomish County.
* $1.04 million to improve the U.S. 2 and Kelsey Street intersection in Monroe.
* $1 million for work on the Centennial Trail in Snohomish.
* $1 million for work on 116th Street NE at 1-5 in Marysville.
* $1 million for reconstruction of the Highway 9 and 20th Street SE intersection in Snohomish.
* $800,000 to construct a Highway 9 pedestrian overpass in Arlington.
* $500,000 for an I-5 exit ramp at Alderwood mall in Lynnwood.
* $600,000 for Sultan Basin Road-U.S. 2 improvements.
* $400,000 for a 267th Street NW pedestrian path in Stanwood.
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