It wasn’t even in the House transportation package that passed two years ago.

“It went from the back of the pack to ahead of the pack in the final stretch,” he told the City Council June 13. “It’s the only practical way to take pressure off of the train situation.”

The state legislature approved $50 million to be spend on the southbound onramp and northbound offramp that would help motorists avoid train track delays in town. The project timeline is 2017-23, but Mayor Jon Nehring had said it could happen sooner.

Aldrich, with the firm Strategies 360, said having nine legislators in three districts helped the city get that and other transportation funding.

Work to widen the 116th bridge across I-5 is starting this week and ramps at 88th and I-5 are expected to be widened by 2021. About $46 million for an interchange at 156th won’t be done until 2031, but “to know that’s out there sets the stage for potential growth,” Aldrich said.

Another $39 million will be spent to widen Highway 531 near the Arlington Airport, along with $34.4 million to help in the commute to Everett across the flats.

Nehring said earlier in the day at a Coffee Klatch that he also would like to see a right-turn lane at 88th, but “It would be a massive undertaking moving the grave sites” at the cemetery.

The consultants also put a lot of work into a bill that will help draw manufacturing to Marysville and Arlington. The law gives tax breaks to businesses that come in, pay good wages and make improvements.

Aldrich said they want to site to be as small as possible, but many other communities wanted to get in on the deal. As it ended up, it will be a pilot project for the stay to see if it works and other communities could benefit.

Also at the Coffee Klatch with community members, Nehring said Marysville is the next place for business development in Snohomish County. With the city’s annexation a few years ago, its size demands attention. He said it’s great to see this infrastructure occur before development, which is “rare.”

Considering 82 percent of bills fail, Aldrich said Marysville hit the “jackpot.”

Meanwhile, parks director Jim Ballew said July 11 was a day to be in Marysville.

“My wife and I did everything,” he said.

They started with the Stay Fit event at Totem Middle School, then went to Poochapalooza at nearby Asbery Park. They then went to the Rodz on 3rd car show, which was packed, then to the Farmer’s Market, which was “slammed.”

People were “walking State Avenue, which was fun to see,” he said.

Also, during the public comment period, resident Jack Blackwell complained about fireworks, saying they terrorize pets and combat veterans. “They drive people like me nuts with it,” he said. “They were far from legal. The ATF should have been there.”

Ballew said having the Arlington Fly-In that weekend brings folks to town, and this gives them something else to do. Next to the Marysville Strawberry Festival, it’s the biggest weekend in town, he added.

The parks director also said city employees have a fun event coming up July 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Waterfront Park. About 61 workers will compete in the “Slay the Slough” triathlon of running, biking and rowing.