ARLINGTON — The Stillaguamish Tribe and the city of Arlington are working together this month to pave a section of Smokey Point Boulevard.
The time-consuming effort it took to write a request for a federal Highways Administration grant was well worth it, tribal Chairman Shawn Yanity said.
Federal economic stimulus funds for the repair of roads used by American Indian tribes will provided $145,000 to pave the boulevard between 175th and 185th streets. The tribe’s offices and other buildings are located in the neighborhood.
The city plans to kick in another $45,000 from its street fund to get the job done.
“It’s going to make a huge difference in that neighborhood,” city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said. “There are a lot of bumps, lumps and holes in the road. The city has done about as much patching as we can.”
“In these days of tight budgets, it’s great when the city and the tribe can connect the dots and work together,” she added. “This serves the taxpayers well.”
Yanity said he is pleased.
“We have a great working relationship with the city,” he said. “They are in our home, and we’re in theirs.”
The grant process was very competitive, with much larger tribes asking for the same grants, Yanity said.
This isn’t the first time the Stillaguamish Tribe has teamed up with the city.
The tribe has helped support the Arlington Fire Department and works with the city’s natural resources department.
The tribe also donates between $25,000 and $50,000 a year to the Dollars for Scholars program to benefit graduating seniors at Arlington and Lakewood high schools. The Stillaguamish in addition have helped secure grant money for the Arlington school district.
The tribe plans a presentation at tonight’s city council meeting.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Celebrate tonight
The Arlington City Council and leaders of the Stillaguamish Tribe plan to celebrate funding for repairs to Smokey Point Boulevard at the council’s meeting at 7 tonight in council chambers, 110 E. Third St.
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