Washington State Legislature recently passed the 2017-2019 budget for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which includes approximately $230 million in state and federal grants that will be awarded to more than 80 transportation agencies.
The grants will be administered by the Public Transportation Division of WSDOT. They were awarded to both rural and metropolitan communities and will be used to improve services, make services available to the elderly and disabled, and purchase new equipment.
“It is so important that all citizens have the opportunity to remain active and connect with their communities,” WSDOT Public Transportation Division Director Brian Lagerberg said. “No matter their age, income or physical ability, access to reliable transportation makes that possible,” “These grants give local providers the ability to serve the people who need transportation options the most.”
Among the largest grant recipients, Spokane Transit was awarded $3.9 million for park and ride construction and high-performance transit improvements. People for People was awarded $2.5 million for services for the general public and people with special needs in the rural areas of Yakima County. Grays Harbor Transit was awarded $2.08 million for the replacement of part of its bus fleet.
The state budget nearly was not passed due to a standoff disagreement between Senate Republicans and House Democrats over rural drinking wells.