Island County commissioners adopted the county's six‑year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2026–2031 by resolution C 4 2 25 at the Sept. 16 meeting. County Engineer C. W. Stewart presented the plan and told the board the program lists 44 projects across roads, intersections, safety, drainage and trails, with a six‑year total of about $115 million and approximately $51 million tagged to the road fund.

Stewart said the county started with 45 projects, removed two and later added the Camano Sunrise roundabout, arriving at 44 projects. He told the board funding remains a central challenge and several projects depend on external grants. For example, shoulder widening on SR 20 (Welch to Race Road) seeks grant funding through the Safe Streets for All and other programs; the county has applied and is awaiting results. "Funding does continue to be a concern and challenge," Stewart said.

Commissioners highlighted several safety projects they want prioritized for design and construction. Commissioner Ed Bacon flagged shoulder widening on Swan Town Road, the SR 20 shoulder project, Camano roundabouts and Crawford Road as important safety efforts. Stewart noted the Highway Safety Improvement Program had provided full external funding for three projects that will move toward construction in 2026, including guardrail replacements and sign reflectivity upgrades.

The board adopted the TIP after closing public comment. The resolution authorizes the plan to guide annual construction programming and project development; specific construction starts will be selected in next year's annual construction program.

Ending: The TIP adoption preserves a multi-year project list and signals the county will continue pursuing state and federal grants while bringing select projects forward for 2026 construction pending funding availability.