MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — City officials remain hopeful for other funding after aiming for a lofty federal grant and falling short.
Officials applied for a federal TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation last fall to help pay to reconstruct a portion of downtown. It was one of the most complex and competitive grants the city had applied for, officials said.
It was disappointing but not a surprise to lose out given the competitive process, staff agreed.
“When you realize which projects were funded, they (were) well deserved so it wasn’t completely unexpected,” city manager John Caulfield said.
During the application process, 20 staffers from each department worked together for two months to address specifics such as how the funding would affect income levels, reduced commute times and property values. They plan to use that research to complete other grant applications.
The City Council approved a $20 vehicle tab licensing fee in December to bring in revenue to pay for the reconstruction project. Staff will look for smaller grants too.
There is talk of a Tiger IV grant up for grabs this spring that the city will apply for, encomic development director Save Baron said.
“You have to get in the vibe and believe in what you’re applying for,” Baron said.
“We’re going to get there,” said Shane Hope, the city’s community and economic development director.
Hope expects to complete the design phase within the next year, which will improve the city’s chances of winning other grants.
Reconstructing “Main Street” focuses on a segment of 56th Avenue West between 230th and 236th streets southwest. The project comes with a $10.5 million price tag. Officials estimate it will leverage between $100 million to $300 million in private investment to the city’s downtown. It’s expected to create 1,400 jobs and 800 housing units.
“We believe our project warrants federal funding,” Caulfield said.
Reconstruction will include widening sidewalks, adding bicycle lanes and installing underground power lines.
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