Council authorizes city manager to apply for four TIB grants; members question budget impact

The Spokane Valley City Council voted to authorize the city manager to apply for four Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grants, with the motion passing 5–1.

City staff recommended applying for construction‑only funding for four projects: the South Sullivan Road preservation project (Eighth to 24th), a roundabout project associated with Fourth Avenue, the Barker Road corridor improvements between Sprague and Fourth, and the Sullivan Park shared‑path connection. Gloria Mans presented the recommendation on behalf of Transportation Division staff; Adam Jackson had described the sites and project details at an earlier meeting.

Staff said the typical TIB requirement is a local match and that staff is monitoring the city’s REET (real estate excise tax) balance to determine how the match would affect future planned projects. Chelsea from finance told council city revenues looked strong in the current year and staff actively manage reserves and expected grant awards.

Councilmember Merkel said she intended to vote against the motion because of concerns about tying up REET funds for potential matches while the city still had unfunded priorities, including police staffing. Other council members, including Council Member Witt, said the proposed projects are needed and that securing outside construction funds is prudent because delaying preservation or corridor improvements can increase future costs.

A public speaker asked staff to ensure designs avoided past rework and to conduct thorough planning. The council approved the motion to apply for the four TIB grants, 5 in favor and 1 opposed.

Staff will return with grant application materials and, if awards occur, with recommended funding plans to cover required local matches.