Thurston Regional Planning Council proposes funding increase for rural transportation projects

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is proposing an increase in funding for small but high-impact transportation projects in South Thurston County and tribal communities, as part of its 2026 Call for Projects.  

At the Transportation Policy Board’s meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Senior Planner Paul Brewster outlined a plan to raise the Rural Community Support Program (RCSP) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) set-aside to $800,000 from $600,000 for the 2026 cycle.  

The $800,000 would come from TRPC’s flexible share of STBG funding. Brewster said the shift would not reduce Thurston County’s overall federal transportation allocation.

However, it would reduce the amount of flexible STBG funding available for competitive projects to approximately $1.44 million from $2.2 million. 

TRPC previously set aside $550,000 in the 2024 cycle. Combined with the proposed 2026 funding — minus about 13.5% for administration costs — eligible jurisdictions could compete for roughly $1.24 million.  

If four jurisdictions apply, each would receive an estimated $310,500. If three apply, each would receive about $414,000.  

Eligible partners include The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, The Nisqually Indian Tribe, and Bucoda, Rainier and Tenino.  

According to Brewster, the program was created to address the challenges rural jurisdictions face in managing federal grants, which often require extensive administrative oversight and matching funds.  

“The RCSP is designed to remove barriers small jurisdictions face when using federal transportation funds,” Brewster said. “Simplified applications, no local match requirement, and funding sized to be feasible for small-scale projects.” 

Past RCSP investments have supported pedestrian safety improvements and trail extensions.  

Brewster cited a Rainier project that included sidewalk extensions, rapid rectangular flashing beacons and a trail connection near Wilkowski Park. The project also involved a coordinated street speed reduction with the Washington State Department of Transportation.  

Administrative shift

The TRPC previously partnered with Thurston County to administer the program. Brewster said the county will no longer continue serving as fiscal agent beyond the 2024 set-aside.  

The City of Lacey has agreed to administer the program for the 2026 funds. Under a draft agreement, TRPC would award Lacey $800,000 in federal STBG funds.

Of that amount, about 13.5% — roughly $108,000 — would be retained for program administration, while approximately $692,000 would be set aside for RCSP awards.  

Those funds would become available in two phases, half in 2030 and the remainder in 2031. The county-administered 2024 funds would remain available earlier, beginning as soon as 2027.  

Brewster said three eligible jurisdictions have expressed interest in applying.