Forks Council green-lights TIB grant application for Calawah Way improvements

The Forks City Council on July 27 authorized the mayor and city staff to submit a grant application to the Washington Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) for Calawah Way roadway improvements. The motion to "authorize the Mayor and staff to apply for a grant from the Transportation Improvement Board for Calawah Way roadway improvements" was made by Councilmember Soha, seconded by Councilmember Patel, and carried.

Public Works Director Hampton later noted that some suggested pedestrian improvements at the Forks Ave and Calawah Way intersection may be difficult to incorporate into the currently planned Calawah Way project. Council and staff discussed crosswalk requests and coordination with WSDOT; Hampton said he had e-mailed WSDOT regarding flashing signs at crosswalks and provided an update on the E Street project. The TIB application signals the city’s intent to seek outside funding for the roadway work, but the minutes do not specify the grant amount sought or the application timeline.

Next steps include preparing and submitting the TIB application and continuing coordination between Public Works and state agencies about pedestrian features and project scope.