For Immediate Release:

Thursday, July 28, 2005

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. Representative Jay Inslee today declared victory in their efforts to secure critical federal funding for the 1st Legislative District’s transportation priorities. The three secured $14.7 million for the region in legislation reauthorizing surface transportation spending through 2009.

TEA-LU, which passed the House today and is expected to clear the Senate tomorrow, sets the funding levels for highways, ferries, and transit programs for the next six years.

“I am proud to have partnered with Rep. Inslee and Sen. Cantwell to stand up for the transportation needs of the 1st Legislative District,” Senator Murray said. “While the Administration didn’t make transportation a national priority, we stood together to make the investments that will create jobs, improve safety and help lay the foundation for our region’s future economic growth.”

"Our transportation infrastructure is decaying and the projects that have lasted us since the 1950s are now reaching the end of their lifespan. Communities from Bothell to Mukilteo to Kitsap County will see much-needed traffic relief from this bill. Finally Congress has recognized the value of the transportation priorities that Senators Murray, Cantwell and I have advocated for in the First Congressional District. My constituents would rather be at home with their families than stuck on I-5 in traffic,” Inslee said.

"We need to think of these federal funds as an investment. These are well spent dollars that will create jobs, improve our quality of life, and literally keep our economy moving,” Senator Cantwell said. "I'm proud of the way the delegation has worked together in these tight financial times to make sure Washington gets the improvements our communities need."

First Legislative District Projects:

UW-Bothell/Cascadia Interchange -- $2.4 million

This project will provide critical access to the growing university and community college campus. The new south access will improve the link between I-405, SR-522 and the campus, alleviate congestion at the north campus access on Beardslee Blvd., and allow campus enrollment to increase.

Shoreline Interurban Trail -- $1.6 million

Funding will complete the trail, which provides a safe bike and pedestrian avenue to travel the length of Shoreline. The trail also creates a pedestrian bridge crossing of Aurora Ave (SR-99) and continues regional trail improvements that, when completed, will unify communities from Seattle to Everett.

Woodinville railroad trestle and bridge project -- $1.6 million

This project will improve traffic flow at a longstanding bottleneck at the railroad crossing south of Woodinville's main interchange onto Highway 522. The project will add lanes on SR 202 under the Burling Northern Sante Fe trestle and other improvements at Northeast 175th Street and at Northeast 177th Place.

Shoreline Aurora Corridor Improvement Project -- $2.6 million

This project will allow for the reconstruction of the SR-99/Aurora Corridor in Shoreline between N 145th St. and N. 205th St. This project will improve commerce, pedestrian safety, and congestion mitigation with the improved roadway design.

SR-527 widening in Bothell-Mill Creek -- $1.2 million

These funds will widen SR 527 from 2 lanes to 5 lanes with median landscaping where possible.

SR-9 highway improvements in Snohomish County -- $1.2 million

The analysis of a 37 mile section of SR 9 traversing Snohomish County will identify high priority congestion mitigation and safety project points.

I-405 congestion relief between Woodinville/Bothell and Kirkland -- $800,000

These funds will provide congestion relief by adding 2 lanes in each direction to I-405 from NE 85th St to NE 124th St.

Wagga Way Extension in Kitsap County -- $400,000

This project will help improve traffic flow in Kitsap County between Old Frontier Rd and SR303, and it will add emergency enhancements for traffic circulation around Naval Base Kitsap.

Alderwood Mall Exit Ramp in Lynnwood -- $400,000

This project will construct an off-ramp from I-5 southbound to the intersection of Alderwood Mall Blvd. and Alderwood Mall Pkwy.

Bainbridge Island Multimodal Terminal - $2.5 million

This project will redevelop the current multimodal site, including construction of transit deck, overhead loading facility, terminal building, third slip, and access improvements.

Mukilteo Multi-Modal Terminal -- $4,848,800

New Mukilteo transit hub that will include a ferry terminal, Sounder station and bus stop.

Community Transit's Snohomish County park and ride expansion -- $2,508,000

The funds will be used to provide buses, passenger stations, and additional amenities to support a bus rapid-transit system.