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Commissioners direct county manager to engage partners on Martin Way Corridor federal appropriations concept
Summary
Thurston County Commissioners directed the county manager to meet with city and regional partners to explore a potential federal appropriations request for infrastructure improvements along the Martin Way Corridor, emphasizing a collaborative approach to water, sewer and transportation investments that could support housing and economic development.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners instructed the county manager on Feb. 26 to engage with municipal and regional partners to scope a potential federal appropriations request for infrastructure in the Martin Way Corridor.
County leadership described the proposal as a concept to seek federal funds for infrastructure—water, sewer and related utilities—to support development in the unincorporated parts of the Martin Way Corridor and to improve opportunities on nearby properties such as the Carpenter Way site. County staff emphasized that the county would not act alone and that a collaborative request with the City of Lacey, Thurston Regional Planning Council and transit partners would be preferred.
Commissioner Mahan said she and others had discussed corridor projects with federal contacts and that housing‑supporting infrastructure is a likely funding fit for current appropriation priorities. Commissioner Fournier said the corridor spans multiple jurisdictions and noted the county’s role is to partner not lead unilaterally. Mark Daley, executive director of the Thurston Regional Planning Council, told the board TRPC has long prioritized the corridor and is already engaged in implementation planning, including design funding for pedestrian crossings and earlier planning work that could be drawn upon for a federal ask.
County managers said timelines for federal appropriations can be short once requests are posted and asked for direction to begin partner scoping immediately. The board gave direction for the county manager to meet with the City of Lacey and regional partners and to explore whether a coordinated, multijurisdictional request is feasible for the current federal appropriations cycle or a near‑term future cycle.
The board did not approve a funding request or submit formal project paperwork during the work session; staff said the next steps will be scoping with partners, identifying a specific set of infrastructure needs and, if feasible, preparing an appropriation request in coordination with the county’s federal delegation and regional partners.
