Benton supports 2007-09 transportation budget to give a boost to Clark County projects

 

March 31, 2007

OLYMPIA…Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, cast his vote today in favor of the Senate transportation budget to support additional money for three Clark County projects, one of which will be completed four years sooner. 

17th District Clark County projects with major cost increases that are accommodated in the Senate transportation budget include: 

SR 14 – Camas-Washougal Widening and Interchange ($17 million)
This project is currently in the early design phase. The project will widen SR 14 from two lanes to four lanes from 6th Avenue to Union Street (SR 500). Included in the project will be new bridges over the East and West Camas Soughs as well as a new interchange at Union Avenue. 

SR 502 - Widening from I-5 to Battle Ground ($30 million)
Early design for this project began in late 2003 and was scheduled to continue until late 2011, but under the Senate budget, the project will now be completed four years sooner. The project will widen SR 502 from two lanes to four lanes from I-5 east into the City of Battle Ground.  

I-105 – Mill Plain Interchange to NE 18th Street ($39 million)
This project is in the design and environmental phase and will be completed in two stages. Stage 1 will construct a segment of a new off-ramp from I-205 to NE 18th Street and will be included with the construction of the I-205, Mill Plain/NE 112th Avenue Connector Ramp project. Stage 2 will construct a partial interchange at I-205/NE 18th Street and will include grade-separated on/off ramps between Mill Plain Blvd. and NE 18th Street. 

“These projects will increase safety and reduce congestion,” Benton said. “I was very pleased to support an infusion of the current gas tax revenue into these projects to move them to completion more quickly.”

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Additional contact: Penny Drost at (360) 786-7522
or
penny.drost@leg.wa.gov