Olympia receives state grants to complete Fones Road, bike corridor

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney reported the city was awarded a total of $2.3 million in grants for the completion of Fones Road improvements and Downtown Corridor projects.

Fones Road Improvements

In a city council meeting yesterday, Burney said Olympia received a $2 million Urban Arterial Program grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB)last November 2021.

The grant is for the completion of Fones Road reconstruction that will include new lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, separated bicycle lanes, and significant safety improvement to the Karen Fraser Woodland trail crossing.

Burney recognized city transportation staff for securing approximately $4.9 million in grant funding from both the Federal Highway Administration and WashingtonTIB for the project, which would improve the entire length of Fones Road between 18th and Pacific Avenues.

The estimated project cost is $16 million. The construction is scheduled to be completed by 2024.

Bicycle Corridor

In addition, Burney said the city was awarded a $300,000 TIB Complete Streets grant to fund the Bike Corridor project. He said the award was given on March 25, 2022. The project’s total cost is $989,000.

According to Burney, the project will provide a bike route from downtown to the southeast neighborhoods to make it easier for people to bike.

Burney commended the transportation and park staffs for successfully obtaining grants to move the project forward.

The TIB provides funding to help communities build complete streets that serve all users, whether walking, biking, driving, or riding transit.

At yesterday’s meeting, two resolutions were presented asking the city council to approve grant agreements between Olympia and the Washington State TIB.

Burney cited Olympia Municipal Code Subsection 3.16.020.C, wherein the city has to approve grant agreements to obligate funds for the projects.

The two resolutions on grant agreements were in the consent calendar, which the city council unanimously approved.