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Sunnyside council adopts 2026–2031 six-year transportation plan; First Street project partially funded
Summary
The Sunnyside City Council adopted its 2026–2031 six-year Transportation Improvement Program, confirming projects prioritized for state and federal funding; First Street/Yakima Valley Highway intersection has partial funding but requires additional grants to complete construction.
The Sunnyside City Council on July 14 adopted a resolution approving the 2026–2031 six-year Transportation Improvement Program required by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The plan lists reconstruction and pavement-preservation projects the city may pursue and is a prerequisite for state and federal transportation funding.
The action came after a public hearing during which Stephanie Ray of HLA presented the draft TIP and explained that the program must be adopted annually to maintain eligibility for state and federal grants. "This public hearing is being held to receive public comments and recommendations concerning the 2026 through 2031 six-year TIP," Ray said at the meeting. The council then voted 7–0 to adopt the resolution (motion by Councilor Hart; second by Councilor Hancock).
Nut graf: The TIP sets project priorities and identifies likely funding sources; adopting it does not obligate the city to begin construction but is required to apply for and receive WSDOT-administered funds. Several projects on the TIP are already partially funded, and the council and staff said the document can be amended if new funding becomes available.
Most immediate among the listed projects is the First Street and Yakima Valley Highway intersection improvement. Ray told council the city secured about $1.2 million from a Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) administered through the regional council, while the project's estimated cost is about $2.4 million. "We have approximately 1,200,000.0. The project cost is about 2,400,000.0. So we have enough to work through design and a portion of construction," Ray said, adding the city is actively seeking additional funding to make the project whole.
Ray also explained that two projects included in last year’s TIP — a roundabout at Maple Grove and Yakima Valley Highway and a roundabout at Lincoln and Yakima Valley Highway near Walmart — were removed after the city’s safety plan expired, but they may be re-added if the council and staff choose to seek funding. Council members and staff said the TIP is amendable during the year if priorities or funding change.
Public comment at the hearing included support for roundabouts from resident Sandra Lindy, who said roundabouts in neighboring jurisdictions improved traffic flow. Council members noted that the city’s Transportation Benefit District funds are typically used to cover local match requirements when grants require a local contribution.
Ending: With the resolution adopted, staff will proceed with grant paperwork and design work on funded projects while continuing to seek additional funding for gaps such as the First Street estimated shortfall. Council members and staff said they view the TIP as a living document that can be adjusted as opportunities arise.
