MARYSVILLE — U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen had already wanted to meet with Marysville city officials about their transportation plans.
But he also took the time to catch up on how the community is coping after its Oct. 24 school shooting.
Larsen met with Mayor Jon Nehring, Police Chief Rick Smith, Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen and Community Development Director Gloria Hirashima Oct. 30, and opened the dialogue by asking how they were handling the tragedy.
“Everyone’s response was outstanding,” Smith said. “The Tulalip Tribes and the school district have been amazing. Our lines of communication have been very good.”
Smith expressed concerns over unsubstantiated rumors and threats that have circulated through social media since the shooting.
But he noted that law enforcement has moved swiftly to address or debunk any potential dangers.
“The way this community has come together will be its defining moment, and not the shooting itself,” Nehring said.
Nehring noted the community’s other concerns by informing Larsen that, during his quarterly mayor’s coffee klatch Oct. 29, most citizens’ questions were about how the city intends to ease its traffic congestion.
Nielsen explained that both Marysville and Everett independently arrived upon the solution of expanding the interchange of State Route 529 and I-5. Nehring asserted this was failing long before the coming of increased coal train traffic.
“We support jobs for the rail industry,” Nehring said. “We just don’t want the railroad taking away our livelihood or quality of life.”
Nielsen estimated that the project could run as much as $40 million. However, it can also be constructed in phases, with the less-expensive northbound lane building costing only $15 million. The city recently secured $5 million for the project.
Nehring named the Tulalip Tribes, the city of Everett, Snohomish County and the state Department of Transportation as stakeholders in the project. Nielsen said, “All our stakeholders have said that this is a no-brainer,” which he laughingly deemed a good sign.
“With more train traffic on the way, Marysville’s approach to congestion is prudent,” Larsen said.
