Spokane launches transformative land bridge project to reconnect communities

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the progress of the land bridge project in Spokane, a concept aimed at restoring communities divided by highways. Initially introduced in 2016, the project gained momentum through the federal \"Reconnect Communities\" initiative, which seeks to address the impacts of interstate construction from the mid-20th century.

Spokane was selected as one of the cities to participate in this initiative, with local community engagement led by Dean Guntherson. The project aims to revitalize the historic Olmsted Park, developed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers, and has garnered significant enthusiasm from community members.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) successfully secured a $6 million grant for the project, supported by matching funds from the state legislature. Notably, the consultant selection process involved community members, ensuring local voices were included in the planning stages. Jacobs Engineering has been contracted to provide comprehensive planning and design services.

Officials acknowledged the historical context of the interstate's construction, which often overlooked sustainable community benefits. To address this, they introduced a \"place keeping\" plan to maintain the newly developed spaces and the existing 10.5-mile trail, which currently lacks funding for maintenance.

The North Spokane Corridor was highlighted as a catalyst for community engagement, with officials committing to partner with local residents to explore additional ideas that emerged during discussions. The meeting underscored a commitment to not only restore but also sustain the community's cultural and environmental heritage through thoughtful planning and collaboration.