WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) secures nearly $18 million in federal funding for 15 community projects across Washington’s First Congressional District. These projects range from road and trail improvements to environmental sustainability projects to support farmers’ markets and community center services.
The allocation of the 15 community projects Representative Delbene spanning the First Congressional District were $6 million for King County and $12 million Snohomish County.
“This long-overdue funding agreement will allow the federal government to continue investing in projects that will enable our state, local, Tribal, and non-profit partners to make improvements in our communities,” said DelBene. “The nearly $18 million in dedicated federal investments that I secured in this legislation will help address critical needs in our region.”
The funding for the fifteen projects were earmarked in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending package the United States Senate approved by a vote of 75 to 22 on March 8, and the United States House of Representatives approved on Wednesday, March 6, by a vote of 339 to 85. The spending package now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Below is a breakdown of the nearly $18 million Rep. DelBene secured for the 15 community projects:
Project Sponsor Project Name Amount Description City of Arlington SR-531 Trail $1M This project will build a multi-use trail to provide a safe pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists. City of Bellevue City of Bellevue Police Department Body-worn Camera Program $963K This project will help increase accountability and transparency between police officers and members of the Bellevue community. Cities of Bellevue and Redmond Electric Fire Engines & Charging $1M This project supports the Cities of Bellevue and Redmond in acquiring two electric fire engines and associated charging infrastructure. City of Bothell Woodcrest Utility Replacement Project $960K This project will modernize failing water utilities in the Woodcrest neighborhood. City of Kenmore Swamp Creek Tributary Culvert Replacement Project $1.3M This project replaces a culvert that is currently blocking the passage of migrating salmon and other fisheries. City of Lake Stevens Cedarwood Community Recreation Center $1.4M This project will help families access healthy before and after school care, flexible meeting and/or classroom space, and remove blight from the surrounding area in Lake Stevens. City of Marysville Grove Street Overcrossing $850K This project will construct an overcrossing that would span the existing at-grade crossing, providing congestion relief and improving safety. City of Mountlake Terrace Main Street Revitalization Phase Two Project $850K The project will redevelop the downtown infrastructure necessary to facilitate dense housing within the walkshed of the Sound Transit light rail station opening later this year. City of Redmond AC Water Main Replacement $960K This project will replace an asbestos cement water pipe that has reached the end of its useful life. City of Woodinville Little Bear Creek Culvert Replacement Project $850K This project will replace a culvert and restore fish habitat within Little Bear Creek. Northwest Innovation Resource Center Network NWIRC Innovation Center $850K This project will establish an innovation center in Arlington to help entrepreneurs and small businesses explore new technologies and remain competitive. Snohomish County Chinook Marsh $960K This project will restore approximately 430 acres of tidal habitat benefiting Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook Salmon and relocate a drinking water transmission line. Snohomish County Snohomish County Food & Farming Center $5M This funding will complete the processing, aggregation, and distribution center portion of the Snohomish County Food and Farming Center. Sound Transit Ash Way Station $500K This project will provide funds for the design of the Ash Way Station, which is part of the Everett Link Extension. Stillaguamish Tribe SR-530 Roundabout $500K This project will construct a roundabout at the SR-530 & Smokey Point Blvd in Arlington, WA.
“We are grateful to Congresswoman DelBene and our congressional delegation for advancing support for Bellevue’s community safety and our first responders,” said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. “Bellevue and Redmond’s electric fire engines not only offer clean technology, they also reduce maintenance costs and contribute to the health of our firefighters and the communities they serve. Further, this investment into body cameras demonstrates a commitment to our police department by giving them the technology to continue fostering public safety, transparency, and community trust.”
“We are thrilled to learn Congresswoman DelBene has secured funding to support the Woodcrest Utility Replacement Project here in our community,” said Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson. “This utility upgrade for critical water and sewer service means a large community, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes, have safe and healthy homes to live in. We are fortunate to be represented by dedicated federal partners who take the time to learn our needs and take action to improve the everyday lives and safety of our residents.”
“We are thrilled to see Kenmore’s fish-friendly culvert in the fiscal year 2024 funding for community projects. We are grateful for Congresswoman DelBene’s support for salmon habitat restoration in the region and specifically here in Kenmore,” said Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig.
“With the assistance of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, we will transform the Cedarwood Community Recreation Center into a place where all community members are welcome,” said Lake Stevens Mayor Brett Gailey. “We look forward to bringing more recreation opportunities to our city.”
“We are extremely grateful to Congresswoman DelBene for her hard work on this funding allocation for the much-needed Grove Street Overcrossing,” said Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring. “Federal investments like this are so critical to help meet the many infrastructure needs facing a growing community like ours. Congresswoman DelBene has visited our community on multiple occasions while working closely with us on infrastructure needs.”
“We sincerely thank Congresswoman Suzan DelBene for her support of our downtown revitalization project. This is how we work together to expand housing opportunities in Mountlake Terrace Town Center,” said Mountlake Terrace Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright. “The Congresswoman sees how Town Center is taking shape, and the community is ready for what comes next. We need more housing, with better roads and sidewalks, all connected regionally through light rail. Together we are making it happen.”
“The City greatly appreciates the federal funding in support of Redmond’s health, sustainability, and safety priorities,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Providing clean drinking water and operating the first electric fire engine in the state exemplify how working together and using new technology, we can be better stewards of the environment and promote healthy communities while continuing to provide core city services.”
“On behalf of the City of Woodinville, I want to thank Congresswoman DelBene for her steadfast support of our Little Bear Creek culvert replacement project,” said Woodinville Mayor Mike Millman. “The federal funds will help restore critical habitat for salmon, remove some of Washington’s highest priority fish barriers in Little Bear Creek, and create pedestrian-friendly connections for our community.”
“Arlington, in north Snohomish County, is one of the fastest growing areas in Washington state. By providing funding to establish the innovation center at the Cascadia Industrial Center, Congresswoman DelBene is providing resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses as they strive to be competitive in our demanding digital economy. We are most grateful for her recognition of the importance of supporting our future businesses,” said Diane Kamionka, Executive Director, NW Innovation Resource Center.
“Congresswoman DelBene’s successful work to secure federal funding for the construction of the Chinook Marsh Restoration Project and Snohomish County’s future Food & Farming Center will have positive impacts for generations to come,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “The restoration of Chinook Marsh will strengthen vulnerable infrastructure and enhance critical habitat needed for the recovery of Chinook salmon, Orca, and other species. The Food and Farming Center will provide our farmers with equipment and infrastructure that will strengthen our sustainable supply of food and make it easier for our residents to access locally produced foods.”
“Sound Transit is grateful to Congresswoman DelBene for her steadfast support of the agency’s mission as we expand light rail service across the Puget Sound region, including in Snohomish County,” said Sound Transit Board of Directors Chair Dow Constantine. “This funding is critical to completing the design of Ash Way station, one of six new stations that will be part of the 16-mile Everett Link Extension and provide new transit options to Snohomish County residents.”
“As our Tribe, the City of Arlington, and northern Snohomish County continue to grow, State Route 530 (SR-530) has seen increased congestion, delays, and traffic accidents,” said Eric White, Chairman of the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. “The funding for this project will go toward the construction of a much-needed roundabout at the corner of SR-530 and Smokey Point Boulevard that will significantly improve traffic safety and reduce collisions. We thank Congresswoman DelBene for her efforts in securing this funding and her continued commitment to making the roads and highways in our region more safe.”
Over the past three fiscal years since members of Congress were allowed to advocate for specific community projects in their districts, DelBene has secured $45 million in federal funding for 40 projects in WA-01.
DelBene submitted 15 community projects for consideration in May. Project submissions came directly from non-profit, city, county, and Tribal entities. A summary of the projects submitted by DelBene in the FY24 funding package can be found here. A one-pager on the projects can be found here.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
