GSI and partners have spent a year lobbying for federal funds
February 22, 2010

Hundreds of workers will soon be laying cement, painting lines and installing guard rails on the North Spokane Freeway, thanks to a new $35 million federal grant. Greater Spokane Incorporated, together with partners including Associated General Contractors, Good Roads Association and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (who chairs the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee) has been working to secure the TIGER grant (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) the past year. GSI led a delegation in September to Washington, D.C., where we explained to elected officials and the Federal Highway Administration the importance of TIGER funds for the Spokane region’s growth and development.

“It’s not about building a road; it’s about building the economy,” said Rich Hadley, GSI CEO. “Not only will we have 170 new construction jobs [WSDOT estimate], as a result of the TIGER grant, but our economic development experts estimate the project will mean an additional 160 indirect jobs. These construction workers will purchase retail goods and services like office supplies, meals, clothing, fuel and morning coffee from businesses in the Hillyard community.”

The North Spokane Corridor remains one of our region’s top transportation priorities. The project will eventually connect I-90 with U.S. 395 north of Spokane. The $35 million in new federal funds will be used to build two southbound lanes from Francis Avenue to U.S. 395, completing 3.7 miles of the highway. For more information, visit: http://www.keepspokanemoving.org/