Swecker secures projects for 20th District in new transportation projects

April 26, 2009

OLYMPIA… Sen. Dan Swecker, Republican leader on the Senate Transportation Committee, is pleased he was able to secure funding for a number of 20th District transportation projects in the 2009-11 transportation budget. 

“I am happy that the Senate last night approved the transportation budget I helped develop. We can move forward now with a number of large projects that will not only provide jobs in my county but also protect those who live and travel through Lewis County,” said Swecker, R-Rochester.

Twentieth Legislative District projects contained in the transportation budget include: 

• $137 million to add lanes to Interstate 5 from Grand Mound north to Maytown, in southern Thurston County, and replace the Grand Mound interchange;

• $214 million to add lanes to I-5 from Mellen Street in Centralia north to Grand Mound;

• $52 million to add lanes to I-5 from Rush Road north to 13th Street in Chehalis; and

• $13 million to replace the Chehalis River bridge on State Route 6 west of Chehalis.

The above amounts reflect the total cost of each project from start to completion. 

“It’s great when projects can address both safety and congestion concerns,” Swecker said. “Adding lanes to an already crowded section of the I-5 corridor will reduce accidents and improve traffic flow.” 

The transportation budget, passed as the 104th day of the 2009 legislative session neared its close, now goes to Gov. Christine Gregoire for her consideration. 

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For more information contact
Ashley Forsyth
 (360) 786-7037