Funding for several local transportation projects is part of a transportation bill that passed the House of Representatives March 10.
U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island, said the funding is enough to complete the Shoreline Interurban Trail, and that the amount alloted for the UW Bothell/Cascadia interchange is “significant.”
The legislation also contains $430 million in funding for ferry systems nationwide, with a significant portion coming to Washington because the state operates the largest ferry system in the country.
Inslee’s requests were part of the Transportation Equity Act, which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed March 2.
Overall, the legislation will provide $284 billion in federal highway, transit and road safety projects through 2009. The bill’s funding will become authorized once President Bush signs this year’s legislation.
“The Puget Sound region experiences some of the worst traffic congestion in the country and residents are looking for relief,” Inslee said in a prepared statement. “This federal assistance is welcome news for improving traffic flow and reducing bottlenecks in our local communities.
The UW Bothell/Cascadia interchange will receive $3 million if the bill becomes law. The new south access will improve the link between I-405, State Route 522 and the campus, alleviate congestion at the north campus access on Beardslee Boulevard, and allow campus enrollment to increase. Enrollment is currently prohibited from increasing without the completion of this project.
Funding for the Interurban Trail completion in Shoreline is $2 million.
“The funds for our Interurban Trail project will help us build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Aurora Avenue that will allow trail users to safely cross this busy state highway,” Shoreline Mayor Ron Hansen said. “When completed, the trail will be an invaluable resource for our community and will link Shoreline with our neighbor cities to the north and south.”
Also included in the bill:
• $2 million for reconstruction of Aurora Avenue N in Shoreline between N. 145th Street and N. 205th Street.
• $1.5 million for widening Highway 527 in Bothell and Mill Creek.
• $500,000 for an exit ramp at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.
• $3 million for Community Transit’s Snohomish County park and ride expansion program.
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