University Place council adopts 2026—1 transportation improvement plan to preserve grant eligibility

The University Place City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Sept. 2 approving the citys 6-year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for 2026 through 2031.

Public Works Director Jack Eklund presented the update and told the council the city is "required by state law to adopt and annually update a 6 year transportation improvement plan." Eklund said the update adds the Allen Spit Road project (project No. 4), removes several projects that have been completed or will be complete by year-end and revises schedules and costs across the plan. He said funding statuses for the Chambers Creek Road Roundabout (project No. 6), 60 Seventh Avenue phase 3 (project No. 12) and Fortieth Street phase 3 (project No. 14) were updated to reflect recent grant awards.

Eklund stressed what adoption means operationally: "The approval of the 6 year transportation plan does not commit the city to any financial expenditures. Rather, each project will be reviewed individually, by the city council in each relevant budget cycle as a component of the capital improvement plan. The approval of the 6 year transportation plan, however, does, create eligibility for the city to apply for various grant opportunities." He added that many grant programs require a project to appear in a city's TIP to be eligible.

Council discussion touched on prioritization and schedule. Eklund said the list is not presented as a ranked priority because funding availability typically determines which projects proceed. He also confirmed the plan is updated annually and can be amended at any time.

During discussion council members highlighted the amount of work involved and the role of grants in delivering projects. Eklund told the council the total cost shown in the plan is roughly $108,000,000 and that the city aims to secure about $80,000,000 in grant funding; the remaining local match would be identified from local sources. He also said that since incorporation the city has obtained more than $80,000,000 in transportation grants.

Council member comments praised staff for advancing the projects; the mayor called for a voice vote and the resolution passed unanimously.

Because adoption was by resolution, the TIP update now serves as the city's planning list for grant applications and informs other jurisdictions and the public about the city's planned transportation investments. Individual projects will require separate council review and appropriation in future budget cycles.