PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend City Council has updated its six-year transportation improvement program to include four grant-funded projects done with the state Department of Transportation, with the city committing nearly a half-million dollars in matching funds.
The state requires six-year transportation improvement program (STIP) plans to be updated annually, and that process typically happens in the early summer, Public Works Director Steve King told council members at their meeting Monday, but the plan needed to be officially updated so the city could enter a funding agreement with the state.
“This is largely dependent on the fact that we have received a lot of money,” said City Manager John Mauro. “We’ve done a great job drawing in state resources for that money. That’s why we need to make some amendments.”
Council members approved three of the projects at their previous meeting, and King said the updating of the STIP was a necessary part of those agreements.
The four projects require a total local match of $436,495 and will be paid through a combination of stormwater funds and real estate excise tax, or REET funds, King said.
The most expensive project for the city is one of two bike and pedestrian improvements to be constructed along Discovery Road.
The city is paying $250,000 to match more than $3.7 million in state funds for the construction of bike lanes, shoulder improvements, sidewalks and drainage on Discovery Road from Rainier Street to Sheridan Street.
Those funds will be paid out of the city’s stormwater fund, King said, while the remaining projects will be paid through the REET funds.
One of the projects funded with REET funds is also for bike and pedestrian improvements on Discovery Road, and though the two projects are physically adjacent, they are being funded separately, King said.
Improvements on Discovery Road from Sherman to Sheridan streets will be $15,000 to access $232,000 in federal highway funds, according to meeting documents.
Pavement improvements on Tyler Street from Jefferson to Lawrence streets is costing the city $108,990 to match $379,609 in state funds.
Roadway improvements matching the DOT compact roundabout project at the intersection of state Highway 20 and Kearney Street is costing the city $67,505 for the state’s $432,535.
Director of Finance and Technology Services Connie Anderson said at the meeting the city has a “very healthy” balance in its REET fund.
“REET is designated for capital expenditures so oftentimes when we come with grant proposals we recommend using REET,” King said.
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Reporter Peter Segall can be reached at peter.segall@peninsuladailynews.com.
