Lake Stevens Council adopts 2026–2031 six‑year Transportation Improvement Program

The Lake Stevens City Council adopted the 2026–2031 Transportation Improvement Program on July 1, approving Resolution 20 25 0 7 after a public hearing and staff presentation.

Kim Plinker, city engineer, presented the TIP as a planning document required by state law and emphasized it does not by itself authorize funding. "Per the RCW, a TIP is a comprehensive six-year plan that cities and towns must adopt and update annually to outline transportation improvement projects," Plinker told the council during the public hearing. She said the TIP aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan, six‑year capital improvement plan and the Transportation Benefit Program implementation plan.

Council members asked clarifying questions about placeholder amounts included in the TIP. Plinker explained some line items are contingency placeholders tied to future budget cycles or possible grant awards; she called out a draft $1.2 million placeholder for 2026 for a targeted project and explained it would be updated during the 2026 budget process. On Twentieth Street Southeast corridor improvements, staff explained larger amounts shown in later years represent potential grant-funded phases and that the city is pursuing state grant opportunities, including conversations with the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB).

After the public hearing and council discussion, Councilmember (unnamed in the public roll call) moved to approve the resolution. The motion passed with the council voting "Aye." Plinker said the TIP will be filed as required to maintain the city's eligibility for state and federal funding and will be updated as project designs, budgets and grant outcomes evolve.

The TIP lists multiple projects and preliminary cost estimates consistent with earlier plans and shows where projects may be eligible for TBP, CIP or grant funding; staff said such entries are intended to preserve project readiness and support future grant applications.