Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), the top Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded $7.67 million to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Island County and the City of Bellingham for projects to improve road safety for all users.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Island County, the City of Bellingham and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will get resources they need to prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths,” Rep. Larsen said. “I will continue to work with local communities, stakeholders and Tribes to identify and invest in projects that improve safety and accessibility for all travelers in Northwest Washington. Thank you Department of Transportation Secretary Duffy for recognizing the importance of these local safety initiatives in my district.”
This funding was awarded under the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Program, which invests $5 billion over five years in regional, local and Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. SS4A was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Rep. Larsen helped pass in 2021.
$375,000 for Swinomish Indian Tribal Community to update its Transportation Safety Action Plan and conduct demonstration activities on tribal roads and state highway access points.
“Safe roads matter to every family in our community,” said Steve Edwards, Chairman, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. “This grant will help the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community plan and test practical improvements that make it safer for our members, elders, children, and neighbors to walk, bike, and drive. We are grateful to Representative Larsen for his steadfast support and to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investing in this work. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we look forward to continuing to work together."
$2,759,206 for the City of Bellingham to improve emergency vehicle progression and post-crash care operations. The upgrades are expected to result in reduced emergency vehicle delay, fewer intersection conflicts and secondary crashes and more reliable emergency access throughout the city.
"When someone calls 911, every second matters,” said Kim Lund, Mayor of Bellingham. “This investment will help our emergency responders move through Bellingham more quickly and safely, getting critical help to people when they need it most. By modernizing our traffic signals, we're also laying the groundwork for faster, more reliable public transit in partnership with Whatcom Transportation Authority. We're grateful to Congressman Larsen for his support of federal investments that make our transportation system safer and more efficient for everyone."
$4,536,000 for Island County to widen shoulders and implement related corridor safety improvements on State Route 20 between Race Road and approximately 0.5 mile north of Welcher Road. SR 20 had 110 fatal and serious injury crashes from 2019 to 2023 and a fatal and serious injury crash density more than 40% above the countywide rural average.
“This investment by USDOT through SS4A will greatly strengthen a core piece of public infrastructure by bolstering safety along SR-20 and significantly improving the quality of life for Island County residents,” said Melanie Bacon, Island County Commissioner. “We are thrilled by this news and grateful to Representative Larsen for his continuous support of our County’s needs.”
In total, Washington state received $24.6 million in SS4A grants. Other awards in Washington included $4.7 million to Clark County Fire District No. 3, $9.7 million to the City of Seattle, $1 million to Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue and $1.4 million to the City of Toppenish.
Rep. Larsen has long been focused on improving transportation safety in Northwest Washington and across the country. Rep. Larsen’s BUILD America 250 Act, which continues the investments made by BIL, reauthorizes the SS4A Grant Program so local governments can continue to make investments that prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
