Commissioners to take possible action on legislative priorities

By Dan Thesman on Monday, December 30th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners meet this morning (Monday) at 9:45 a.m. On the agenda, a discussion and possible action regarding the 2025 draft state and federal legislative priorities.

One of those priorities is allocating $50 million in matching funds to support a federal grant for the U.S. 12 four-lane expansion project of the Phase 8 corridor from Wallula to Nine Mile Hill.

Walla Walla County, Port of Walla Walla, and the Washington State Department of Transportation have jointly applied for federal funding totaling $281 million but require additional matching funds to move forward with construction. The three parties agree the completion of this 11-mile stretch is essential for enhancing safety, improving freight mobility, and unlocking substantial economic development opportunities.

Other legislative priorities include reducing the burden and costs to operate businesses in Washington State; protection and proper maintenance of the Lower Snake River Dams; ensure new legislation doesn’t include unfunded mandates; multifamily property tax exemption; and support for law enforcement.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1:30 p.m., newly-elected commissioner Bertha Clayton will be sworn in at the commissioner’s chambers. Clayton will represent district one starting Wednesday, Jan. 1. She won the seat 58.5 percent to 41.28 percent over incumbent Jenny Mayberry.