WASHINGTON, D.C., December 26, 2022—President Joe Biden signed both the National Defense Authorization Act and the $1.7 trillion FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill last Friday that included $31.5 million in funding Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) secured for fifteen projects in the Second District that local leaders and stakeholders identified as critical to their communities.
“My priority in shaping spending bills is to invest in Northwest Washington communities to create jobs, keep the economy moving and improve vital services residents rely on,” said Larsen on securing funding for local community projects. “I will continue to champion these critical projects to ensure communities can strengthen vital infrastructure, build a cleaner, safer and more accessible transportation network, improve access to critical services for working families and students, and grow Washington’s economy.”
I will be voting YES on the Omnibus because it delivers to my communities, to my schools in the Impact Aid program, to the environmental restoration of the PNW and to transit #Omnibus #OmnibusBill #pnw
— Rep. Rick Larsen (@RepRickLarsen) December 23, 2022
This year Larsen secured approximately $31.5 million in Second District local projects. Last year, Larsen secured more than $10.6 million for ten Second District local projects.
What community leaders and stakeholders are saying
Arlington Mayor Barb Tolbert
On the 169th Street Connecting Segment: “The 169th Street project will complete a missing segment of this bypass street that parallels State Route 531. The completion of 169th Street will further the development of a multimodal transportation grid in the Cascade Industrial Center and Smokey Point neighborhoods in Arlington. We are so pleased to have this important project funded by the federal government, this will allow us relief as we partner with the State on the reconstruction of the highway that supports freight and business access.”
Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring
On the Grove Street Overcrossing: “In recent years with more and more people moving here, traffic congestion exacerbated by the railroad tracks running through downtown Marysville has become a consistent problem. This federal investment in the Grove Street Overcrossing will help us build a train-free alternative for drivers, improving traffic flow and increasing east-west connectivity.”
On Mother Nature’s Window Park: “This federal funding will enable the City of Marysville to begin opening a large, beautiful park with old-growth timber to public access. It’s a rare treasure and a much-needed park asset in central Marysville.”
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers
On Culvert Replacements: “The people of Snohomish County are very grateful to Representative Rick Larsen for his leadership on funding these critical infrastructure projects. Removing fish barriers will obviously help improve habitat for key species, but it also means that our economy will continue to benefit from outdoor recreation. These two important projects translate into more jobs, sustaining our quality of life, and ensuring many generations to come will be able to enjoy salmon, Orca, and our most beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest.”
Skagit PUD General Manager George Sidhu
On Alger Interstate 5 Waterline Relocation: “Skagit PUD appreciates Congressman Larsen’s work in securing funding for our Alger I-5 Waterline Relocation project. The main objective in relocating the waterline is for a new culvert to be constructed across I-5, allowing for better fish passage. Environmental stewardship is one of Skagit PUD’s core values, so we’re pleased to participate in enhanced salmon recovery efforts in Skagit County. The funding will also save Skagit PUD ratepayers $2 million in capital expenses. This project is a win for the environment and our customers.”
Whatcom Transportation Authority Board Chair Michael Lilliquist
On 2011 Fixed Route Diesel to Electric Replacement: “WTA once again thanks Rep. Larsen for his leadership and hard work to help WTA and other transit agencies move to cleaner, non-polluting buses. Funding this project will accelerate WTA’s ability to implement our goal of transitioning our fleet to zero-emission buses by 2040 or sooner, while at the same time maintaining high levels of service across Whatcom County, especially in neighborhoods and rural communities that need it the most.”
Oak Harbor Mayor Robert Severns
On Inflow and Infiltration Correction Program: “We appreciate the support of U.S. Representative Rick Larsen to help us address a vital community need for the City of Oak Harbor. The Wastewater Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Correction program will significantly reduce long-term impacts by increasing the capacity to serve future growth in our community while decreasing the costs of treating wastewater. This program benefits the entire Puget Sound region, our local ratepayers, and the environment.”
Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell
On 44th Avenue West Underpass Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement: “This appropriation for the 44th Ave W Underpass Improvement Project allow us to fully fund construction and open this safe and accessible bicycle/pedestrian connection to the Lynnwood City Center Station in tandem with the opening of the Lynnwood Link Extension in 2024. We are grateful for Representative Larsen’s steadfast commitment to transportation infrastructure and being a champion for multi-modal connections.”
Port of Friday Harbor Executive Director Todd Nicholson
On Barge and Access Road: “The Port of Friday Harbor’s commercial barge landing is the sole supply route to San Juan Island for all transportation and heating fuels, hazardous materials, and oxygen for the hospital. This infrastructure is an essential for the residents and businesses on San Juan Island and the non-ferry served islands in San Juan County. The Port would like to thank Congressman Larsen and his amazing staff for their advocacy on this critical infrastructure project.”
San Juan County Manager Mike Thomas
On Town to Zylstra Lake Multi-Modal Trail
“Thanks to the unwavering support of Congressman Rick Larsen, the long planned for and much discussed Zylstra Lake trail is now a reality. The $5.28m Congressional appropriation will fund a 2.5 mile walking and cycling pathway from Town out to Zylstra Lake Preserve where residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy 285 acres of habitat and trails in a truly unique and unforgettable island setting.”
Volunteers of America Western Washington CEO Steve Corsi
On Lynnwood Neighborhood Center: “Rick Larsen has been a friend and supporter of Volunteers of Western Washington for many years. He is a champion of change, and we are so grateful for him and his leadership to help us build, connect, and transform South Snohomish County through the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center.”
Habitat for Humanity of Island County CEO Oran Kolaitis
On Retail Store, Warehouse and Administrative Office Purchase: “Providing shelter by selling safe, decent, and affordable homes has been our mission for more than 20 years, and we know well what the impact is when a family is blessed with the stability and security of owning their own home. This incredible investment which allows us to purchase our Retail Store, Warehouse and Office building in Oak Harbor will provide our organization that same stability, enabling us to create an even greater impact in our community for many more years. We anticipate the growth of job opportunities, increased new home construction for our workforce, and expanding critical home repairs for seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable homeowners in our community.”
Samish Indian Nation Chairman Tom Wooten
On Tommy Thompson Trail Trestle and Causeway Replacement Design: “This project plays in incredible role in removing the toxic creosote pollutant from the bay and is a critical step in our efforts to preserve our community’s land and help it to flourish. We’re so grateful to the Washington Department of Natural Resources for their support in restoring the water quality of Fidalgo Bay.”
Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa
On Longhouse Equipment and Development Programs: “We are deeply grateful to Rep. Larsen for his support of WWU’s Longhouse project. This House of Healing will have a powerful impact on the recruitment and retention of Native American students, and it will promote cultural sovereignty and a sense of place and belonging for Native students, faculty, staff and for our neighboring tribal communities. It will also honor the fact that the campus occupies traditional Lummi Nation territory.”
Edmonds College President Dr. Amit Singh
On Marine and AI Robotics Pathways: “I am very thankful to Congressman Rick Larsen for this investment in the future of The Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center at Edmonds College and our students. This allows us to bring new programs in Maritime and Robotics in Manufacturing to our community. These programs fulfill critical labor shortage needs through short term training programs that lead to skilled jobs needed to build vital infrastructures for our future. We are excited and ready to get started.”
SOURCE: Rick Larsen press release on local community projects approved in the FY 2023 Omnibus bill
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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