Draft 2027–2046 Transportation Improvement Plan presented; city readies grant and turnback planning

City Engineer Tommy Owen told the council the draft Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for 2027–2046 lists 89 prioritized transportation projects that guide grant-seeking and capital planning over the next two decades. Owen described the TIP as the city's "wish list" used to inform the six-year CIP and position projects for grants.

Ongoing projects include priority 7–8 Barnes Creek Trail and South 240th Street improvements (with major utility work underway). The city recently adopted a neighborhood traffic-calming program and has identified five locations for near-term speed-reduction measures. Owen highlighted a $5 million grant from the Washington State Transportation Innovation Board (noted in the record as "WASHDOT / WASH.TIB") to begin design this fall for 24th Avenue improvements (priority 12).

Owen also discussed a new last-mile transit project to coordinate with King County Metro for underserved southern neighborhoods; he said Metro has been reluctant to expand service into low-ridership pockets but adding a project to the TIP positions the city to pursue grants. He also previewed likely state discussions about the SR509 project turnback and the potential transfer of Marine View Drive and First Avenue corridors; the city is preparing a downtown corridor improvement project in anticipation of turnback talks.

Council members asked about map boundaries for last-mile service, potential state payments or upgrades under a turnback, and the practical steps for pursuing grants. Owen said projects are regularly re-prioritized for grant opportunities and the TIP will be followed by a public hearing in May or June before final adoption and required annual state filings.