For Immediate Release:

Thursday, July 20, 2006

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) announced that she has secured $5.8 million for transportation, housing and economic development priorities throughout northwest Washington state. The funding has been included as part of the Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary Housing and Urban Development (TTHUD) Appropriations bill. Senator Murray is the highest ranking Democrat on the TTHUD Appropriations Subcommittee.

"The investments made in this bill give northwest Washington communities the fiscal tools to address their transportation, housing and quality of life concerns," said Senator Murray. "While the federal budget continues to be squeezed, I have continued to fight for investments to be made here at home. Today, I am proud to see that those efforts have paid off and will benefit programs and people in northwest Washington."

Funding for northwest Washington projects includes:

City of Granite Falls Freight Access Project -- $2 million

The Granite Fall Alternate Route will serve as a strategic freight corridor providing improved access and level of service for truck traffic while improving public safety in Granite Falls. The 2-lane, 2-mile facility will connect SR-92 to the Mountain Loop Highway. This funding will enable Snohomish County to complete the first construction phase.

Community Transit Bus Rapid Replacement Program -- $1 million

Community Transit is developing the Puget Sound region’s first Bus Rapid Transit (or BRT) system along the SR-99 corridor, which will connect Everett and the Snohomish-King County line in 2008. Once completed, the project will include dedicated lanes, frequent departures, distinctive transit stations, unique vehicles, and other technological features that will improve service and accessibility. This funding will help Community Transit purchase BRT vehicles. Senator Murray secured $2.5 million for this project last year.

Island Transit Vehicle Replacement -- $435,000

This funding will enable Island Transit to purchase 20 vehicles to expand service and replace aged vehicles. This project will support rural mobility needs.

Port of Anacortes Transportation Infrastructure Improvements -- $1.15 million

This funding will support transportation infrastructure improvements at the Port of Anacortes. The Port’s Project Pier 1 project is a joint venture with Dakota Creek Industries to develop underutilized port property and provide deep water moorage along the pier. The port and Dakota Creek industries have already committed local funding of more than $15 million to support this project.

Tulalip Tribes 116th Street NE Interchange Improvement Project -- $1 million

This project will make needed improvements to the interchange of I-5 at 116th street NE on the Tulalip Tribes Reservation. These improvements are necessary to improve safety and mobility, and will support continued economic development. Senator Murray has secured $4 million for the project in previous years.

Bellingham Marine Trades Center Construction -- $250,000

These funds will aid the community's efforts to transform a 5 acre tissue warehouse on the Bellingham waterfront into a Marine Trades Center. The Center will seek to support many exisiting small businesses that are water-dependent as well as incubate new jobs and businesses for the community. There are more than 100 firms in the marine trade and fisheries in Whatcom County and boat building and repair is identified as a Washington state priority for job creation and workforce training assistance.