In November, the City of Kent learned that it will receive $8.9 million in grants for major transportation projects that will improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion.
The Puget Sound Regional Council awarded a $4 million grant for the Veterans Drive extension, which will connect the South 228th Street corridor to the new State Road 509 and Interstate 5 interchange. SR 509 will provide an alternate route from Kent to Sea-Tac Airport, the Port of Seattle and downtown Seattle. This joint project between the Washington State Department of Transportation and Kent will result in decreased congestion, improved non-motorized connections through the interchange and improved access to transit.
PSRC will also award the city a $1.4 million preservation grant in 2021 for South 212th Street for a new road surface between 72nd Avenue South to East Valley Highway. This well-traveled road serves as a major thoroughfare to bring freight to and from the Kent Valley.
The Washington State Transportation Improvement Board has awarded the city a $3.5 million transportation grant for completion of the South 228th Street/Union Pacific Railroad grade separation. The Transportation Improvement Board has been an excellent funding partner over the years, and this latest grant will help the city to complete the corridor.
“As a city, we would not be able to operate without grant funding from a variety of sources. Obtaining grants is a long and complicated process, and our city staff works hard to identify grants that fit our needs,” said Mayor Dana Ralph. “We want to thank the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for recognizing the importance of these projects and for their financial support.
Thank you to @SoundRegion and Washington Transportation Improvement Board for awarding Kent $8.9M in grants for 3 major projects! https://t.co/9Qr7S97ner pic.twitter.com/kPBKsW1Xmf
— City of Kent, WA (@cityofkent) December 3, 2018
