King says proposed transportation plan a plus for 14^th District
Budget would preserve Union Gap/Yakima projects, boost Selah roadwork

March 26, 2009

OLYMPIA…The Senate Transportation Committee’s proposed 2009-11 budget would keep four crucial 14^th Legislative District projects on schedule and increase funding for two of them, said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, who helped negotiate the plan. 

“Each of these projects is essential from an economic standpoint, because of how they will help keep people and goods moving, or because they will increase safety,” King said. “We simply can’t afford to have them delayed.  

“I know Representatives Ross and Johnson see the situation the same way and will be working hard to keep these projects in the budget that comes out of the House of Representatives. Then we’ll do our best together to make sure they are in the final budget which goes to the governor.” 

The proposed Senate budget, unveiled Wednesday, includes the Valley Mall Boulevard/Interstate 82 interchange project and a companion project to widen Valley Mall Boulevard as it approaches the interchange. The widening is phase four of an effort that included development of a four-lane limited access road from Main Street to 16^th Avenue. 

The I-82 Valley Mall interchange project, identified by the TRANS-action coalition as a top priority for the area, was included in the federal transportation funding measure the Legislature approved earlier this month. 

The Selah truck access route project not only would remain on track but would have its funding boosted to $9.9 million, which is $3 million more than was allocated for the project a year ago, said King, who serves on the transportation committee. 

“It’s a very positive sign to have this project remain in the budget and receive additional money,” King said.  

Similarly, the project to replace the west and east U.S. 12 bridges over the Tieton River between Rimrock and Naches will keep its place and receive an additional $1.7 million, King said. 

“The economic significance of the I-82/Valley Mall Boulevard and Selah transportation projects made them my two local transportation goals for this legislative session. I appreciate that their importance also has been recognized by the committee and I look forward to seeing this budget move through the Senate,” King said.

For more information contact Eric Campbell
at (360) 786-7503 or campbell.eric@leg.wa.gov.