The following is a release from the city of Kirkland:
Kirkland residents are to be well-served by the final components of the transportation package passed today by the State House. The funding approved key priority projects in Kirkland’s adopted 2015 Legislative Agenda, most notably funding for the I-405/Northeast 132nd Street Interchange Ramp project in the Totem Lake Urban Center. The State’s transportation package also funds the completion of the SR 520 Corridor, sidewalk improvements on Northeast 52nd Street which connects to the Cross Kirkland Corridor, and the widening of I-405 from Renton to Lynnwood.
“This year was an extraordinary session and thanks to our legislators we got results. We got great results for our community. Better than we ever expected at the beginning of the year,” said Mayor Amy Walen. “Thanks are owed to the Chair of the City’s Legislative Committee, Council member Asher, because he knew that the Northeast 132nd Street interchange project needed significant funding and he boldly and consistently advocated for this $75 million. We would not be celebrating today without his laser-like focus on the ramps.”
The I-405/Northeast 132nd Interchange Ramp project is considered extremely vital to Kirkland’s Totem Lake Urban Center, the area where the City must accept the bulk of its anticipated growth in jobs and housing per the Growth Management Act. Also, with the redevelopment of the Totem Lake Mall underway and future plans for the development of the Cross Kirkland Corridor, the interchange improvements will greatly improve mobility and the quality of life in the area.
“Kirkland residents tell us one of the top challenges facing our community is traffic congestion. Our State legislators have delivered solutions,” notes Kurt Triplett, Kirkland City Manager. “The 132nd ramps will be completed just in time to serve the new Totem Lake Mall and a growing Evergreen Health. The bike share program and bike path investments will provide true alternatives to single-occupancy commuters and help implement the livable, walkable, connected Kirkland our residents are wanting.”
As part of the redevelopment agreement, the City reaffirmed its commitment to $15 million in public infrastructure improvements to 120th Avenue NE, a public plaza, and a condominium interest in a parking garage. Additionally, the City plans to develop Totem Lake Park.
“Kirkland is blessed to have such effective bipartisan leadership in the state legislature representing our city and its residents,” said Council Member Doreen Marchione. “Their doors have remained open to us, they listened and they delivered.”
Additionally, a bike path and trail from SR 520 on Northrup way in Bellevue and funding to expand the bike share program in east King County, were funded.
“This success was one heck of a team effort from everyone involved” said Council member Dave Asher. “From everyone on the council, from staff, our consultants and from members of our business community. Sometimes you really wonder whether leaving home at 6 a.m. to drive to Olympia to testify at an 8 a.m. hearing is worth it. It IS worth it!”
Mayor Walen and Council Members Asher & Marchione serve as the members of the City Council’s Legislative Committee. All of Kirkland’s council members have testified at hearings in Olympia throughout the legislative session held this year.
The City of Kirkland is represented in the Washington State Legislature by Senator (Sen.) Rosemary McAuliffe, Representative (Rep.) Derek Stanford and Rep. Luis Moscoso of the 1st Legislative District; Sen. Andy Hill, Rep. Roger Goodman and Rep. Larry Springer of the 45th Legislative District and Sen. Cyrus Habib, Rep. Ross Hunter and Rep. Joan McBride of the 48th Legislative District.
Kirkland Highlights of State’s approved transportation package
• $75 million for the Northeast 132nd Street ramps at I-405 in the Totem Lake Urban Center.
• $1.6 billion for the completion of the SR 520 Corridor.
• More than a billion dollars for the I-405 Renton to Lynnwood – Corridor Widening project.
• $1.86 million for Kirkland’s Northeast 52nd Street sidewalk improvement project.
• $5 million for a pedestrian reconnection of the Eastside Rail Corridor at the site of the former Wilburton Tunnel.
• $2.8 million for the bike path and trail from SR 520.
• $5.5 million to expand the bike share program in Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond and Issaquah.
