Sumas council adopts 6‑Year Transportation Improvement Program, ties projects to grant funding

The Sumas City Council on July 13 unanimously adopted Resolution No. 858, formally approving a 6‑Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) covering 2027 through 2032.

Public Works Director Sunny Aulakh opened a public hearing on the TIP and told the council and members of the public that the list is intended to support future grant applications and that projects will not be completed unless the city receives grant funding. Resident Helen Solem of Rock Road asked specifically about the expense of projects and funding for the Sumas Avenue project; Councilmember Jessica Koehler asked whether the estimated cost labeled for crack/chip seal work referred to a single street or all city roads, and Aulakh clarified the figure covers all city roads.

Councilmember Josh Clawson moved to close the public hearing and then moved to adopt Resolution No. 858; Councilmember Richard Postma seconded the adoption. The motion passed with all present voting in favor. The adopted TIP provides the city a prioritized list of projects and cost estimates to support grant applications but contains no guarantee of construction without successful grant awards.

Why it matters: the TIP establishes the city's funding priorities for street and transportation projects for the next six years and will be used to pursue state and federal grants. Next steps: staff will include the adopted TIP in grant applications and return with project‑specific plans and funding requests if grants are secured.