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Council splits over Northwest Fifth Street: $2M state allocation at risk as members debate reprogramming and priorities
Summary
Council debated whether to hold or reprogram roughly $2 million in state Connect Washington funds for the Northwest Fifth Street project; members disagreed about funding risk, timing and whether the project should remain in the TIP, ultimately adopting the six‑year TIP while leaving the project listed.
The Battleground City Council on Monday engaged in a protracted debate over the Northwest Fifth Street transportation project and about $2 million in state Connect Washington funds currently programmed for it.
Mark, the city engineer, told council that the grant funding for the Fifth Street project could be reprogrammed in certain circumstances but cautioned council that reprogramming is uncommon and that the state faces budget pressures. “It’s highly unlikely the legislators will approve reprogramming,” he said, while noting the city can move funds among some state programs when projects are staged.
Council members voiced competing priorities. Council Member Bowman argued the longer‑term solution for the Fifth/503 intersection is a roundabout and urged the city to use available dollars to address intersection safety; others said funding realignment would risk the grant being rescinded and the money flowing to other jurisdictions. “I would not be surprised if they pulled the funding,” one councilor said, citing statewide budget uncertainties.
Council Member McCoy moved to table the Fifth Street project while preserving the school‑dedicated right‑of‑way and asking staff and lobbyists to pursue reprogramming; that motion failed after a roll call. The council later voted to adopt Resolution 26‑03 — the city’s six‑year Transportation Improvement Program for 2027–2032 — which keeps the Fifth Street project listed in the TIP (the resolution passed 6–1).
The debate also touched on related projects, including the 15th & Main project, and whether limited staff and grant capacity should prioritize other near‑term projects.
What’s next: The TIP was adopted with Fifth Street included. Council directed staff to continue coordination with state partners and to protect City right‑of‑way dedications tied to school redevelopment; future council votes will be required before construction funds are expended.
