County wins multiple state grants for sidewalks, gravel-road sealing and Safe Routes; project timelines set

Spokane County public-works staff briefed commissioners Jan. 21 on three state grant awards and project schedules.

Crestline sidewalk (TIP complete streets): The county received roughly $800,000 from the Transportation Improvement Board (with the required 20% match) to build sidewalks along Crestline Street from 57th to 63rd, add stormwater swales, ADA upgrades, a new crossing at 63rd and a pedestrian-activated flashing beacon at 57th. Preliminary engineering begins in 2025 with construction planned for 2026. Commissioners asked staff whether the flashing beacon could be installed sooner as a stand-alone item for the coming school year; staff said they would evaluate cost and procurement implications.

Air-quality/gravel-road sealing: The county received just over $400,000 from the Department of Ecology to chip-seal or apply BST treatments to 1.6 miles of gravel roads in a community identified as overburdened for PM2.5/PM10 concerns. The total project cost (including match) is about $530,000; public-works crews will self-perform the work to control costs. Construction is scheduled for 2025 with final sealing in 2026.

Safe Routes to School — Snowden Elementary: The county received approximately $419,000 (no local match required) toward sidewalk gap infill near Snowden Elementary. Funds will be used for survey, design and right-of-way work now, positioning the county for additional funding in the near term to construct continuous sidewalks; staff noted coordination with nearby development that may condition some improvements.

Ending: Commissioners praised the grants and asked staff to return with scheduling and outreach updates as projects move into design and construction.