Richland amends Tripeppi Smith contract and outlines outreach for $20M downtown connectivity project

Richland staff said they amended the contract with communications firm Tripeppi Smith to provide public relations support for the Downtown Connectivity Project and outlined a phased public outreach plan on Jan. 28.

City staff and consultants described the project as a multimillion‑dollar effort to improve walkability, bicycle access, lighting, stormwater, on‑street parking and placemaking by repurposing right‑of‑way on George Washington Way and Jadwin. The selected design converts the two streets into a one‑way pair between the George Washington/Jadwin and Simons intersections, while aiming to preserve current traffic level‑of‑service where possible.

Carlo (city staff) and consultants reviewed the project history and funding. Ben Franklin Council of Governments, the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant and other sources have provided design and construction funds. City staff…