Cities receive state road funds

Quincy, Ritzville, Hartline to improve streets, sidewalks

COLUMBIA BASIN — Quincy, Ritzville and Hartline are receiving grant funding from the state's Transportation Improvement Board for street or sidewalk improvements.

The board awarded road and sidewalk improvement grants to agency projects at a meeting Friday in Federal Way. The grant funding comes from revenue generated by 3 cents of the statewide gas tax dedicated by the Legislature.

The board awarded the City of Quincy $560,000 to reconstruct Division Street E between Third Avenue Southeast and Sixth Avenue Southeast. Located in the industrial area of Quincy, the project improves commercial access and helps support economic development.

The Town of Hartline and City of Ritzville received funds for sidewalk construction. Hartline is installing a new sidewalk on one side of Chelan Street for an improved school walking route. A sidewalk on Ritzville's Division Street helps extend pedestrian facilities to businesses at the Interstate-90 interchange.

"These grants show drivers a local return on the tax they pay at the gas pump," said Benton County Commissioner Leo Bowman, board chair. "The TIB delivers over 98 percent of its revenue directly to local street and sidewalk projects."

— Staff report