Lake Stevens reviews Bayview Trail 60% design and early funding options

Parks staff presented a 60% design for the Bayview Trail and asked the board for feedback on alignment and feasibility, saying the design reflects geotechnical and wetland work and is the basis for future bids and construction funding.

"A 60% design considers the geo testing we've done and the wetland delineations," staff said, adding the current segment covers 8th Street to Highway 204 and that unless feasibility comments arise this alignment will be the jumping-off point for final design and future construction.

Staff explained the project is phased: Phase 0 (20th to 12th Street) has been constructed; Phase 0.5 (12th to 8th Street) is planned and funded; the section currently in design is funded only to 60% design and construction funding is not yet secured. An open house on the 60% design is scheduled for June 3.

Council liaison Angie Jorstad, who returned from a federal advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., said federal delegates gave both a caution and practical guidance: "this current administration is probably not interested in funding trails," but they also provided "specific grant strategies" and ways to braid federal and state funds to strengthen applications. She noted that multimodal components — for example a bridge over a major highway — can make parts of the project eligible for transportation funding.

Board members framed the trail as both a parks and mobility priority. "I ride my bike a lot," one new board member said, noting the trail would improve active-transport connections to Everett and reduce reliance on State Route 204.

Next steps: staff will open the design to public comment at the June 3 open house, incorporate board and public feedback as appropriate, and continue pursuing construction funding opportunities and grant strategies discussed with federal staff and the state Department of Transportation.