KIRKLAND, Wash., August 9, 2022 – Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that northwest Washington will receive $69 million to fund three transportation projects in King, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties. These projects include:
Project Location Amount Bothell Way NE Multimodal Improvements Bothell $19 million Poplar Way Bridge Lynnwood $25 million Lummi Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project Whatcom County $25 million
The projects are being awarded Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Discretionary (RAISE) grants, which invest in critical road, rail, transit, and port projects across the country. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law in November 2021 with DelBene’s support and increased funding for RAISE grants to $7.5 billion.
“These much-needed resources will provide better and safer ways for Washingtonians to connect to their jobs, communities, and loved ones,” said DelBene. “Securing this $69 million is a direct result of the bipartisan infrastructure law that I championed and represents a critical collaboration with our local officials to improve our region’s transportation networks.”
“This investment is great news for Lynnwood and surrounding communities after years of working with local leaders and stakeholders to secure funding,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02). “The Poplar Way project creates more jobs and opportunity for residents and businesses while reducing congestion and carbon emissions and building a more equitable transportation system for all.”
Lynnwood sits near the intersection of two major highways, Interstate 5, and Interstate 405, which often back up due to congestion from commuter traffic. The Poplar Way Bridge project includes the construction of a new six-vehicle lane bridge with sidewalks and bike lanes. These improvements will alleviate congestion, accommodate the region’s growing population, and provide a safer route through the city’s business district. In March, Reps. DelBene and Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a letter of support for this project that can be found here.
“We are incredibly grateful to be awarded a $25 million federal RAISE grant for the construction of Poplar Way Bridge,” stated City of Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell. “This critical infrastructure project will foster economic growth and revitalization, as well as relieve congestion, improve public safety, increase transportation equity, and create important community connections.
“We thank Representatives Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen for their steadfast advocacy, and we are appreciative of this federal investment in our City.”
In Bothell, construction is underway to renovate the Bothell Way regional corridor, which runs through downtown Bothell, connects State Route 522 to Interstate 405, and crosses Snohomish and King Counties. In its current state, the roadway is congested, unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians, and inadequate for public safety agencies and transit services. This project will widen the roadway, expand transit, create bike lanes, and install sidewalks to improve conditions for children and families traveling through the area. In April, DelBene sent a letter of support for this project that can be found here.
“Securing a RAISE grant of this magnitude to complete the Bothell Way Multimodal project is a game changer for Bothell,” said Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson. “This investment will deliver critical safety, mobility, and livability benefits for all of our residents and businesses, many years ahead of schedule. We are fortunate to be represented by a dedicated federal partner in Congresswoman DelBene and her staff. On behalf of Bothell, thank you!”
For nearly 60 years, the Lummi Island Ferry has been a vital transportation route for Lummi Island residents, as it is the only connection between the island and mainland Whatcom County. This project will modernize the current infrastructure, replacing the current ferry with a larger, more sustainable electric-battery hybrid ferry that will accommodate ridership growth and provide better service to and from the island. In March, Reps. DelBene and Larsen and Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell sent a letter of support for this project that can be found here.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant, which will not only help us replace our 60-year-old ferry but also allow us to transition to renewable energy and significantly reduce our carbon footprint over the long term,” Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu said. “This investment of federal funds, together with state and local dollars, ensures that the residents and visitors of Lummi Island will have safe and reliable transportation for many years to come.”
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
