Larsen Secures $7.67M to Enhance Road Safety in Washington State

The Facts -

Larsen Secures $7.67 Million for Swinomish, Island County, and Bellingham to Enhance Road Safety

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen has announced a significant financial boost for road safety initiatives in Northwest Washington. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is allocating $7.67 million to assist the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Island County, and the City of Bellingham in their efforts to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

The funding comes from the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Program, a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invests $5 billion over five years in various safety initiatives. Larsen, a key player in passing the Infrastructure Law in 2021, highlighted the importance of these funds saying, “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Island County, the City of Bellingham and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will get resources they need to prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths.”

• $375,000 for Swinomish Indian Tribal Community: The funds will update their Transportation Safety Action Plan and conduct safety demonstration activities. "Safe roads matter to every family in our community," remarked Steve Edwards, Chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.
• $2,759,206 for the City of Bellingham: This grant aims to enhance emergency vehicle progression and post-crash care operations, minimizing delays and improving safety. Mayor Kim Lund noted, "When someone calls 911, every second matters."
• $4,536,000 for Island County: The objective is to widen shoulders on State Route 20 and make related safety improvements. Melanie Bacon, Island County Commissioner, stated, “This investment by USDOT through SS4A will greatly strengthen a core piece of public infrastructure.”

Washington state, in total, has been granted $24.6 million in SS4A funds. Other allocations include $4.7 million to Clark County Fire District No. 3, $9.7 million to the City of Seattle, $1 million to Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, and $1.4 million to the City of Toppenish.

Rep. Larsen's dedication to transportation safety is further evidenced by the BUILD America 250 Act, which continues the initiatives established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ensuring local governments can consistently invest in preventing roadway deaths and serious injuries.

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