| |
House designates SR 169 a
highway of statewide significance
A measure that would
designate State Route 169 a highway of statewide significance passed the
House yesterday. House Bill 3266, prime-sponsored by
Rep. Jay Rodne,
R-Snoqualmie, would likely lead to more regional funding for the
roadway.
“This designation is important because it would open the door for
regional funding for improvements along the SR 169 corridor,” said
Rodne. “This is crucial when it comes to prioritization and making this
vital roadway safer and less congested in the future.”
Under the measure, the 25-mile SR 169 corridor from the junction of SR
164 in Enumclaw – north via Black Diamond and Maple Valley and curving
west – ending at the junction of SR 900 in Renton, would be designated a
highway of statewide significance.
“I’m excited we were able to pass this bill out of the House with vast
bipartisan support. I think everyone realized the significance of this
roadway and what this measure means for it,” said Rodne. “I’ll continue
to work with other legislators and local officials to convey just how
important this roadway is to the region and state.”
For a highway to be
designated as a highway of statewide significance, the following
criteria must be met: the highway must be a state highway, a principal
arterial that is part of the national highway system and a rural route
serving statewide travel, or an urban route with certain connectivity or
freight volumes.
House Bill 3266 now heads to the Senate where it will be referred to the
Senate Transportation Committee for consideration.
The legislative session began on January 9 and is scheduled to run 60
days.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|
|