MARYSVILLE – A project that not long ago seemed like a far-off dream to avoid the railways is now on the fast track.
Mayor Jon Nehring has been pushing for Highway 529 ramps off of Interstate 5 for years. The railroad in town causes backups daily when trains come through. The ramps would allow motorists a way to get in and out of town without being held up at the train tracks.
“This is an unprecedented investment in our community,” Nehring said at the City Council meeting July 6.
The legislature is providing $14 million for that and other projects. Lawmakers passed an 11.9 percent gas tax increase to pay for projects statewide. Other local projects include: the I-5 interchanges at 116th and 156th, and work on 88th Street.
Also being funded are improvements to the I-5 shoulder between Marine Drive in Everett and the Fourth Street exit in Marysville for use during peak hours. That project is slated for 2019-2023.
As for the 529 project, Nehring said because it is almost shovel ready in the final design phase it could move up the priority list to get done earlier than the 2017-23 timeframe. He could see it happening in four years, a 2016-2020 timetable.
The mayor thanked local lawmakers for supporting the projects throughout the long session.
“I had a lot of sleepless nights,” he said.
In other council news:
•Councilman Stephen Muller asked if the council could contribute $65,000 toward the new city museum.
•Council Member Donna Wright said the Public Safety Committee is working on revised plans on a new city jail that would have more beds and more security.
•Police Chief Rick Smith talked about moving National Night Out back to the neighborhoods. The one this year will be Aug. 4 at Comeford Park.
•Parks director Jim Ballew said the Qwuloolt Project has received an $840,000 grant so construction could start as soon as late August. He also said about 45 people attended a meeting on the future of Mother Nature’s Window park.
•Public Utility District director Kevin Nielsen said the city received a $350,000 grant for a Marshall school safety project and a $237,000 grant for overall bicycle safety. He also talked of a $2 million grant for 1st and 3rd streets.
•Acting Fire Chief Martin McFalls said the department responded to four structure fires on June 28. He said it reminded him of the days of legendary arsonist Paul Keller. He was relieved to find out later none was caused by arson.
•Nehring said Operation Northern Lights has been a success, driving down crime in Lakewood.
