Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Transportation Policy Board (TPB) moved to elevate a trail expansion feasibility study as a regional priority in the 2026 Call for Projects in order to advance a long-discussed gap in the region’s trail network.
The board voted to treat a feasibility study as a regional priority if an application is submitted during this year’s funding round. The board made the decision at a meeting on April 8.
When TPB Chair Andy Ryder, who represents the City of Lacey on the board, made a motion, he did not name a specific project but stated that “if any application comes through, it will be a priority for the TPB.” The motion was approved unanimously.
That designation would give the proposal preferential consideration, even within the competitive Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) process.
The discussion centered on a potential extension of Karen Fraser Woodland Trail, particularly a segment connecting Woodland Creek Community Park and McAllister Grove Park along a former rail corridor.
Ryder said recent changes along the corridor make this “the appropriate time” to pursue a feasibility study. He noted the proposed trail segment has long been identified as a key gap in the regional trail system, but had been constrained by an active rail line.
With the corridor now largely abandoned, Ryder said now is the time to study a potential extension that would expand the trail network and serve a growing population in Lacey’s urban growth area.
Ryder proposed setting aside funding for a feasibility study — estimated at between $150,000 and $200,000 to complete — to assess costs, timeline and preliminary design.
He added the City of Lacey is willing to take the lead, saying much of the corridor lies within its urban growth area and expanding access would be “important for the future of our transportation network.”
Paul Brewster, a Senior Planner with the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC), said the study would likely be funded through the Surface Transportation Block Grant.
The action comes as part of the broader 2026 Call for Projects, which aims to allocate approximately $11 million in block grants within a roughly $16 million federal funding package.
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
lynngrotsky
I love this idea and especially finishing that segment of the Karen Fraser trail. Keep Thurston County green and with as many bike and walking trails as possible.
Friday, April 10 Report this
BobJacobs
Good move.
Bob Jacobs
Friday, April 10 Report this
wildnature
Yes, love trails.
Friday, April 10 Report this
PeggyJoZim
I also fully support the idea of trail expansion. I also wonder if any thought has been given to the exploration of light rail? I believe now is the time to start acquiring the land needed and plans laid for light rail from south Thurston county to Olympia, the west side to downtown and from Nisqually to Olympia.
Friday, April 10 Report this
KarenM
Peggyjozim - Yes, there has been quite a bit of thought about high capacity transportation. See the Thurston Regional Planning Council information about this here. https://www.trpc.org/1174/High-Capacity-Transportation
Saturday, April 11 Report this