U.S. 12 is big on port’s list of priorities
By Terry Murry on Thursday, October 28th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Port of Walla Walla commissioners will meet today (Thursday) at 1 p.m. and are expected to review and finalize federal and state legislative priorities for 2022. At the top of the list is to seek funding for two separate projects associated with U.S. Highway 12.
The first project is to widen U.S. Highway 12 to four lanes from Wallula to Nine Mile Hill (Phase 8), which is the final and most dangerous portion of highway. Port officials have said it’s a critical project for the increased safety and freight mobility along the 11-mile stretch. Total federal funding for Phase 8 construction is $185.7 million. The state has already earmarked $9.3 million for design and right-of-way acquisition. The port seeks to place Phase 8 as a higher priority with the Federal Highway Administration. The second project is the U.S Highway 12 – Clinton Interchange, which would provide a diamond interchange for safe north-south crossing for pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic. Total federal funding for that project is $40 million.
Another priority is full support of the Columbia and Snake River navigation system, including full and proper maintenance of the dams. The port recognizes the navigation system is critical infrastructure to the Pacific Northwest economy. Proper ongoing maintenance ensures the longevity of the system and will allow for continued use and benefit of the inland waterway.
The port is also looking to improve Walla Walla County’s multi-agency E911 Emergency Telecommunications Facility. The site has been identified as a targeted damage site, as it lies in the collapse path of a multi-story brick structure that could render the site a total catastrophic loss to emergency services, dispatch personnel, law enforcement capabilities, and public access to requests for fire, emergency medical services, and rescue. A new location would need to be seismically retrofitted and renovated for the purposes of an Emergency Operations and Communication Center, including new radio, cell, broadband and satellite telecommunications. This would increase the region’s emergency capabilities resiliency.
Port commissioners also list commercial air service, specifically airlines support, as a priority, which includes keeping the congressional delegation updated on Alaska Airlines’ marketing and retention efforts. However, the port also wants to start exploring another United States Department of Transportation Small Service Community Air Service Grant for a second outbound destination.
The public can participate in today’s meeting remotely by calling toll free 1-877-309-2073, access code 661 367 571 or remotely via video at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/661367517.
