While our community was disappointed we did not receive funding for 172nd Street overpass from the nickel gas tax, it was hardly the fault of only one of the local representatives. Sen. Val Stevens and other elected and civic leaders from the TRAP Coalition (Transportation Relief Action Plan) are working on finding alternatives to state money. We hope to create a positive direction and we appreciate the assistance the community is getting from every legislative leader involved.
The Department of Transportation has provided us with a $6.5 million alternative to the proposed $26 million project on the drawing board. This alternative will build a new six-lane bridge in two stages without major interruptions to traffic on the overpass. This bridge will be phase one of the final $26 million project. Once the funding is identified and secured this fall, the DOT will go to bid and anticipate the start the construction in the spring of 2004.
We cannot wait until the state of Washington has a better climate for transportation funding. There are serious safety problems that exist in the Smokey Point community as well as severe congestion much of the day. We have the second highest accident rate in the state. Taking political shots at our elected leaders is not helpful. Elected leaders cannot fix everything. The nickel fund will contribute to the county’s other major traffic problems.
We applaud the citizens of Arlington and Marysville for providing the leadership and willingness to fix our own problem. If you wish to help or comment please write us at TRAP, 3405 172nd St. NE, No. 5-210, Arlington, WA 98223.
Arlington
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