Washington state received the most RAISE grants of any state this year again—for the second year in a row
Murray created RAISE grant program in 2009; Washington is a major recipient of funding from competitive grant program year after year
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) announced nearly $90 million in total grant funding for Washington state under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program Senator Murray established back in 2009. RAISE grants—which were originally created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as TIGER grants—can be used for a wide variety of infrastructure projects with local or regional impact. Overall this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding just over $1.8 billion in total RAISE grant funding to transportation and infrastructure projects across the country. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Cantwell worked to authorize the RAISE grant program for the first time ever in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided the program with $7.5 billion over five years, a 50 percent increase in funding.
Washington state was awarded the most grants of any state this year and received the most in total funding. Today’s awards represent the third-most Washington state has ever received in total funding for RAISE grants in a single grant year. This year’s RAISE grant awards were funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill Murray negotiated as Senate Appropriations Committee Chair and got signed into law in March, which included $345 million for RAISE grants. Washington state’s Democratic Congressional delegation helped secure $7.5 billion for the RAISE program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and have advocated strongly for Washington state’s RAISE grant applicants with the Biden administration.
“It’s a huge deal that Washington state is once again taking home the most the money of any state from the competitive RAISE grant program I created 15 years ago. Once again, our state is punching above its weight in securing these hard-fought federal dollars for transportation and infrastructure projects that will help make our communities more safe, livable, and connected,” said Senator Murray of the total RAISE grant awards announced today. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll keep working hard to fund the RAISE program every year, despite tough fiscal limits because I know just how important it is that Washington state continues to benefit from this critical program.”
The following RAISE grants were awarded to projects in Washington state:
Closing the Eastrail I-90 Gap, King County Parks — $25 million
“This major federal investment will help King County close the Eastrail I-90 gap while building out a shared use path that everyone can enjoy,” said Senator Murray. “Every inch of progress so far has been thanks to the partnership of so many: nonprofits, local government, local businesses, and—now—the federal government. Expanding these kinds of trails does so much good for our quality of life while also connecting and strengthening local economies—being able to support these important projects is exactly why I created the RAISE grant program in the first place.”
“The funds announced today are the final link connecting the north and south segments of this beautiful trail, giving Eastside residents a 42-mile pathway to walk and enjoy,” Senator Cantwell said.
“This federal funding announced today represents a strong investment in community, transit, and accessibility,” Rep. Smith said. “Importantly, this new bridge will open miles of trail access between Bellevue and Renton and will be an important step to improving pedestrian access in our region. I’m grateful that the RAISE program is making this investment in our community.”
This funding will enable King County Parks to close the final gap in the 26-mile southern segment of the shared use Eastrail regional trail, by retrofitting two existing bridges and building 1.7 miles of paved trail–completing the Mountain to Sound Greenway Trail. The on-grade path will be for non-motorized use only, and will be paved, lit, and ADA accessible.
The 42-mile trail along the east side of Lake Washington runs from Renton to Snohomish. Currently, the gap requires users to navigate around I-405, 118th street and I-90 on roadways without dedicated facilities. The I-90 Segment Project will improve multi-model connections as an alternative to single-occupancy car trips, addressing climate change and transportation-related emissions, the largest contributor to air quality issues in King County. The completion of this project will also be a boon to the nearby communities of Factoria, Eastgate, and Wilburton, all of which have seen significant population and job growth in the last 10 years and will benefit from these improvements to regional recreation and infrastructure.
Eastrail Multi-Use Trail Plan, City of Woodinville — $5 million
“Securing these federal dollars will help Woodinville get started on its portion of the Eastrail project,” said Senator Murray. “This will mean new recreation opportunities while strengthening and connecting local economies. Importantly this will connect the Eastrail project all the way up to Snohomish County—being able to support these kinds of projects that do so much to benefit smaller communities is a big part of why I established the RAISE grant program.”
“Eastrail’s expansion along Lake Washington provides a two-mile paved trail for the Woodville community, improving the quality of life and recreational opportunities for residents,” Senator Cantwell said.
“I’m thrilled to see $5 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law being invested in the Woodinville section of the Eastrail,” said Congresswoman DelBene. “This RAISE grant funding will help the City complete planning for the multi-modal trail, bringing this portion of the trail closer to construction so that residents have safe, accessible paths for commuting, recreation, and transportation. I look forward to the transformative impact this project will have on our community.”
This RAISE planning grant will help the City of Woodinville complete the entire design, planning, and permitting portion of the Woodinville section of the Eastrail—an approximately 1.7-mile multi-use trail and linear park—and ensure the project is shovel-ready an estimated five to ten years earlier than anticipated. When completed, the Eastrail will be an uninterrupted 42-mile trail that will connect communities in East King and Snohomish Counties and provide the cities of Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Snohomish, and Redmond with new opportunities for non-motorized recreation and transportation. The portion of Eastrail that runs through downtown Woodinville is the linchpin between 175 miles of existing regional trails and the heart of the City. The new trail will serve as a catalyst to meet regional housing, economic, and transportation goals and will be a start to connecting Eastrail to other regional trails. Woodinville is expected to grow by 40 percent over the next 10 years, and this project is important to improving access and promoting economic growth.
Heights District Infrastructure Phase I, City of Vancouver — $17,463,128
“This funding is going to help make the exciting new plans for the Heights District a reality—with a new park, a walkable central street, 1,300 new units of affordable housing, over 200 new jobs in the area, better options to get around the Heights District and to other neighborhoods in Vancouver, and so much more,” said Senator Murray. “Investing in projects like this one—to build thriving new districts within Vancouver, produce more housing, especially for underserved residents, and create new jobs and opportunities–is exactly why I created the RAISE grant program in the first place.”
“Every city in our state needs affordable housing, including Vancouver. This grant helps build the essential infrastructure needed to support 1,300 new affordable homes including new roads, bike lanes, ADA-accessible sidewalks, and a robust wastewater system,” Senator Cantwell said.
“Safe, walkable infrastructure is essential for supporting new small businesses, affordable housing, and essential services in the Heights District,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “By helping secure new RAISE funding, we’re building on the federal dollars I brought home for the district’s redevelopment earlier this year — that way we can keep folks moving, boost our local economy, and support new jobs in the area.”
This project will construct Complete Street enhancements for two segments of the Grand Loop, a pedestrian-focused street and linear park that surrounds the central core of the Heights Redevelopment Area. This will advance the City of Vancouver’s Heights Equitable Development Plan (HEDP), an affordable housing and climate-focused infrastructure project that will ultimately create approximately 1,300 new units of affordable housing and provide economic opportunities to diverse and underrepresented communities. The City of Vancouver’s existing transportation network lacks bike, pedestrian, and busing options, all which HEDP will help rectify. Alongside the housing projects, HEDP will provide necessary retail and commercial facilities that will increase access to health care and essential services, serving large portions of Vancouver citizens who lack affordable housing. The HEDP will create over 200 long-term jobs around the new retail spaces.
Interstate 5, 4th Street, and 88th Street NE Corridor Improvements, Tulalip Tribes of Washington — $4,975,909
“This $4.9 million investment is going to make a real, tangible difference for people getting around Tulalip,” said Senator Murray. “It will fund the redesign and construction of major new upgrades to the 4th and 88th Street crossings with I-5—helping people more safely cross the intersections and get to where they need to be. Making sure we have modern infrastructure and safer intersections doesn’t just help people get to where they need to go–an easier and safer commute also strengthens the local economy.”
“Snohomish County residents and Tulalip tribal members know just how bad traffic can get along I-5, especially during peak travel times. Replacing traffic lights at the 4th and 88th Street crossings with roundabouts will improve the flow of traffic, ultimately easing delays for commuters and visitors trying to access the many businesses in Quil Ceda Village and the city of Marysville,” Senator Cantwell said.
“Anyone who uses the 4th Street and 88th Street NE crossings knows how congested and dangerous these intersections are during peak travel hours,” said Rep. Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Tulalip Tribes has the funding it needs to make significant improvements at these crossings to ensure all road users can safely travel to and from the Tulalip Reservation, Quil Ceda Village, and communities in Snohomish County and along the I-5 corridor.”
This project will plan, design, and construct improvements to both the 4th Street and 88th Street NE crossings of Interstate 5. These two interchanges at 88th Street NE and 4th Street NE/State Route 528/Marine Drive experience congestion and mobility challenges for cars, trucks, pedestrians, and transit users. Frequently, I-5 traffic exiting to enter Tulalip Tribes or the City of Marysville (City) at both interchanges experience off ramp backups that can extend back on to the I-5 mainline lanes of traffic. This impacts the Tribes and the City as well as the greater Snohomish County area, interstate travel and commerce, and even international trade with Canada. The configuration of the local road connections at the interchanges also hinders commuters, residents, visitors, freight, transit, and non-motorized connections between the Tribes and the City of Marysville. This causes lengthy delays at the signals crossing I-5 between these two communities for commerce and emergency services. This project will improve two of the three interchanges on I-5 that can access the Tulalip Tribes of Washington Reservation.
Kitsap Transit Maintenance Facility Construction and Fleet Modernization, Kitsap County Public Transportation Authority — $17 million
“Updating Kitsap’s fleet of buses while putting more electric buses on the road is a win-win-win,” said Senator Murray. “This RAISE grant for Kitsap County will construct a full-service maintenance facility and help Kitsap Transit procure five double decker electric buses. With this funding I secured, the people of Kitsap County will have more options to help them get safely and efficiently from Point A to Point B–all while cutting down on emissions.”
“This award allows Kitsap Transit to purchase new electric buses and upgrade its maintenance facility with new crane lifts, elevated walkways, and internal charging infrastructure,” Senator Cantwell said.
“This is a big deal,” said Rep. Kilmer. “These investments in projects across Washington state will help move people and freight better. That’s important for our local economies, for quality of life, and for helping community connectivity. Having the federal government provide this grant funding means we will see improvements without the cost being borne entirely by taxpayers in our neck of the woods. That’s a huge win for our region.”
This project will construct a full-service maintenance facility and procure five double decker routed battery electric buses. The facility will include updated maintenance workspaces with crane lifts, elevated walkways, and high voltage protective equipment. The facility will also incorporate designs for the inclusion of internal charging infrastructure and onsite green energy production.
Lakewood Downtown Transportation Feasibility Study, City of Lakewood — $1,100,000
“Lakewood is a growing and thriving community that needs additional transportation options for the families, small businesses, and jobs accelerating this growth,” said Senator Murray. “The funding I helped secure for Lakewood will allow the city to begin evaluating and planning how to better connect historically disadvantaged communities and improve public transportation options for those without access to a car. With this RAISE grant, Lakewood will be able to come up with a plan so more people will be able to travel, visit, and do business in their community with safe and efficient transportation options.”
“This grant will help the City of Lakewood examine their transportation infrastructure to improve public transit and pedestrian safety,” Senator Cantwell said.
“This funding supports major infrastructure projects across Washington and Lakewood,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “Making equitable and long-term investments in our public transit further connects our region, creates jobs, and boosts our local economy.”
This project will allow the City of Lakewood to evaluate transportation networks within the Lakewood Downtown Subarea, identify needs of historically disadvantaged communities, determine projects within the subarea that are necessary to improve safety conditions, and develop future compatible solutions that will lead to full implementation of the subarea plan. As a Puget Sound Regional Council Regional Urban Growth Center, the Downtown Subarea Plan is crafted with the intention and assumption that the majority of the thousands of new jobs coming to Lakewood by 2035 will be located in the subarea, as will over 2,200 new housing units. The aim of this project is to provide both safe and meaningful access for those who do not benefit from private car infrastructure and to provide an attractive alternative to car travel to all people who live, visit, and do business in Lakewood. The Downtown Subarea Plan will provide both residents and commuters access to their jobs in Lakewood. The integration of the Lakewood transit center would make commuting by bus an attractive option and addresses economic concerns of being priced out of the city.
Neah Bay Multi-Use Barge Loading Facility, Makah Indian Tribe — $1,303,628
“Right now, there is just one paved access road to Neah Bay—meaning any disruptions to that passage like washouts, landslides, falling rocks, trees, and more are heavily damaging to the daily life of the Makah Tribe,” said Senator Murray. “That’s why the RAISE funding they were just awarded is so important—this will help explore the feasibility of establishing a barge facility which would open up a crucial new route for commercial and community travel. I’m glad the RAISE program I created is helping the Makah Tribe take this step to improve the security of the entire region’s future by ensuring their economy, trade, tourism, health, and safety don’t depend on a one-road lifeline.”
“These federal funds will help the Makah Tribe take the first steps toward building a new barge loading facility on Neah Bay. This multi-use facility will eventually make it easier to move timber, heavy equipment, and even modular homes in and out of the northwesternmost point of the United States, all without having to navigate the hairpin turns of State Route 112. This project will additionally aid in the cleanup of the Warmhouse Beach Dump Superfund Site, an irreplaceable cultural and recreational site for the Tribe,” Senator Cantwell said.
“This is a big deal,” said Rep. Kilmer. “These investments in projects across Washington state will help move people and freight better. That’s important for our local economies, for quality of life, and for helping community connectivity. Having the federal government provide this grant funding means we will see improvements without the cost being borne entirely by taxpayers in our neck of the woods. That’s a huge win for our region.”
This funding will help the Makah Tribe of Indians address disruptions to critical supply chains in Neah Bay by conducting a feasibility study of a new multi-use barge loading facility. Currently, the only paved access to Neah Bay is State Route (SR) 112, a winding road in poor condition that experiences regular closures due to washouts, landslides, rock fall, as well as fallen trees and powerlines. The Tribe relies on SR 112 for transportation in and out of Neah Bay, including all commercial supplies, tourist traffic, logging trucks, and local passenger vehicles. These road closures affect the economic vitality, public health and safety, and community well-being for the Tribe. A multi-use barge loading facility would provide an alternate marine route for cargo transportation that would support community health and safety by ensuring consistent access to emergency supplies when the community becomes isolated due to the frequent road closures of SR 112 or other disasters.
Shipping Terminal Rail Connection, Port of Bellingham — $17.931 million
“The Port of Bellingham is a crucial link in our state’s supply chains, and renovating this terminal with RAISE funding is going to help it serve our communities even more effectively,” said Senator Murray. “This grant from the RAISE program I established will help the Port re-establish a rail connection at the port—meaning cargo can be loaded from port to rail with far more safety and efficiency. This is a commonsense project in so many ways—from reducing road congestion and emissions to increasing how much cargo the port can handle any given day—and it’s going to benefit not just the port, but the entire regional economy.”
“Connecting the Port of Bellingham to the rail line opens the port up to new customers that rely on rail access. This project will also supercharge the local maritime industry, which supports 6,000 jobs in Whatcom County,” Senator Cantwell said.
“You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure,” said Rep. Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Port of Bellingham has the funding it needs to modernize its shipping terminal, which will create more jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and keep supply chains and the maritime economy moving.”
This funding will help the Port of Bellingham renovate a shipping terminal site to return it to a fully functioning multimodal terminal and allow for more efficient loading and unloading of railcars on the terminal. Specifically, the project will fund the final design and construction of improvements that will reinstate on-dock and near-dock rail connections and connect the terminal to the BNSF railway mainline to provide for direct rail service in and out of the port. The funding will also allow the Port to purchase a crane pad to support the weight of the harbor crane it acquired last summer, and bollards to ensure safe loading and unloading of the barges.
Overall, this project will provide the Port with a dedicated, modern, and resilient barge facility equipped to expediently receive raw material goods. This will advance the Port’s plan to redevelop the shipping terminal as the northern terminal of the America’s Marine Highway Coastal Connector barge service and support hundreds of regional jobs in barge loading, cargo transfer, and warehousing—advancing the long-term health, safety, and economic welfare of the Puget Sound maritime community.
RAISE Grants Awarded to Washington State in the Last Five Years include:
- $11.3 million for Spokane Airport’s Rail-Truck Transload Facility Project (2019)
- $17.75 million for the Port of Everett’s Mills to Maritime Cargo Terminal Project (2020)
- $7.01 million for the City of Ridgefield’s Pioneer Street Extension Project (2020)
- $5 million for the Port of Hood River’s White Salmon/Hood River Interstate Bridge Replacement Project (2020)
- $20 million for Seattle’s East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project (2021)
- $16 million for Longview’s Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion (IRCE) (2021)
- $2.08 million for Aberdeen’s US-12 Highway-Rail Separation Project (2021)
- $22.1 million for Snohomish County’s Granite Falls Bridge #102 (2021)
- $25 million for Lynnwood’s Poplar Way Bridge Project (2022)
- $19 million for Bothell’s Bothell Way Multimodal Improvement Project (2022)
- $21.7 million for Spokane Valley’s Pines Road/Burlington Northern Santa Fe Grade (BNSF) Separation Project (2022)
- $5 million for Pullman’s Airport Road Multimodal & Regional Access Improvements Project (2022)
- $1 million for Yakima County’s Yakima County Heritage Connectivity Trails project (2022)
- $25 million for Whatcom County’s Lummi Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project (2022)
- $5 million for WSDOT’s Reconnecting I-90 Communities Project (2022)
- $9.5 million for Bell Road-BNSF Railway Grade Separation, City of Blaine (2023)
- $16.13 million for Puget Sound to Pacific Planning for Multi-use Trail, City of Port Angeles (2023)
- $1.2 million for Planning for Low-Emission Neighborhoods, City of Seattle (2023)
- $20 million for West Side Transformation: Multimodal Connections to the Shoreline South Regional Transit Hub, City of Shoreline (2023)
- $25 million for Big Quilcene River Bridge Replacement Project, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (2023)
- $9.4 million for Port Orchard Breakwater Replacement, Port of Bremerton (2023)
- $24.98 million for Upland Village Relocation Road Project, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Reservation (2023)
- $22.8 million for Airport Drive and Spotted Road Safety and Multimodal Improvements, Spokane Airport Board (2023)
- $3.6 million for Planning for Safe and Reliable Bike, Pedestrian & Transit Access for Hood River-White Salmon Bridge, Port of Hood River (2023)
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