Committee forwards resolution to accept federal transportation grants for three projects

The Land Use/Transportation Committee voted to forward a resolution that would authorize the city to accept federal transportation grant funding and sign the associated local agency agreements.

Staff said Federal Way applied to the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) and secured funding for three projects: $1.6 million (of a $2 million request) for right-of-way acquisition for the BPA Veil extension from Celebration Park toward the light-rail station; $600,000 for design of the Pacific Highway non-motorized trail (phase 3) including safety improvements on 16th Avenue South; and a preservation construction grant covering a 50% share estimated at $1,150,000 for a segment on 3rd/20th between SR 99 and Interstate 5.

Council members asked whether the city match for the preservation project is in the budget; staff said the overlay program will cover the city’s half of the cost. Members also discussed the Pacific Highway trail alignment, which staff described as a continuous non-motorized connection parallel to Pacific Highway, linking to existing segments, extending near Federal Way High School and north to State Route 288; staff said the phase would include lighting and pedestrian improvements and would use existing right-of-way and utility easements where possible.

A councilor moved to forward the proposed resolution to the Feb. 18 consent agenda for approval; the committee carried the motion on a voice vote.

If the council approves the resolution, staff would return with required local agency agreements and next steps for right-of-way acquisition, design and construction phases.