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Walla Walla region urges completion of Highway 12 and expanded transit support as port and cities outline growth projects
Summary
Presentations to the commission from the Walla Walla MPO, the Port of Walla Walla, local chambers and cities stressed the economic dependence on US‑12 improvements, highlighted major private projects tied to transportation upgrades and asked for funding and partnership to expand transit, last‑mile connections and flood mitigation.
Regional leaders told the Washington State Transportation Commission that completing major roadway projects and aligning transit with workforce needs are critical to economic growth in the Walla Walla Valley.
Andy Gomez, executive director of the Walla Walla Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, summarized the MPO’s updated Metropolitan Transportation Plan and a project prioritization process that points to US‑12 Phase 8 and the Clinton interchange as top investments. Gomez highlighted demographic shifts — a growing 65+ cohort and falling preschool enrollment — and said the MPO plans a mix of investments (pedestrian, cycling and roadway) totaling tens of millions through 2045.
Pat (Port leadership) described the Port of…
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