House approves $500K for Terrace upgrades

The city of Mountlake Terrace is expected to be the recipient of $500,000 in federal money to help pay for a new downtown water system.

The money will cover much of the expenses for expansion of the city’s water mains. The upgrade is needed to serve the proposed Town Center redevelopment plan and fire codes.

Construction of the new water system could begin as early as 2008.

“This town center will be the axle that community activity revolves around,” said U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., in announcing the money, part of an earmark attached to a House Interior appropriations bill.

“The creative, thoughtful approach taken by local leaders and residents represents the best of urban development in the Puget Sound area.”

Mountlake Terrace’s City Council approved the Town Center plan last February. It calls for construction of a public plaza, wider streets and space for retail, restaurants, residential housing and offices.

“We really appreciate Congressman Inslee’s leadership,” said Mayor Jerry Smith. “Funds to upgrade our water system will help us achieve the revitalized downtown our community is planning for.”

City manager John Caulfield said the funding, approved by the House 272-155, will be matched with grant funds the city will seek and money from the city’s water construction fund. Earlier this year, city officials paid a visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with the state’s Congressional delegation.

“What this has really done is energized us to not only continue pursuing relations with federal legislators but also with state legislators,” he said.

The U.S. Senate was expected to consider its version of the bill before reconciling the final joint piece of legislation between the two chambers. President George W. Bush then has to sign it into law.