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March 3, 2023
Dear Sultan residents,
As you may know, the 12th District boundaries recently changed to include a portion of Snohomish County, including the Highway 2 communities from Leavenworth to Monroe. As the new State Senator representing Sultan, I want you to know that I have really appreciated the many helpful communications I have had with your Mayor Russell Wiita and other officials regarding challenges along Highway 2, especially congestion and safety concerns. I recently mailed updates to you regarding this project. If you didn’t receive the updates or would like them electronically, here is my Letter and Insert.
Highway 2 safety and traffic flow improvements
During the 2022 legislative session, I partnered with Highway 2 communities to sponsor Senate Bill 5603, calling for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to conduct a Highway 2 corridor study between Wenatchee and Monroe to improve traffic flow and safety. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, my objective was to utilize the bill as a way to raise awareness of the significant congestion and safety challenges along the highway. With the help of Mayor Wiita and others, we made major progress with committee members, successfully emphasizing that Highway 2 challenges are a statewide issue.
 City leaders have identified a preferred corridor improvement plan that includes several project components, which will be completed as funding is acquired. Currently, the city is working to secure funding to replace the Wagley Creek Bridge and fish culvert and adding a two-lane roundabout at Sultan Basin Road and Highway 2. The design also includes other elements such as roundabouts at Old Owen Road and at Main Street and expanding the highway to four lanes. Click to view an enlarged version of this Highway 2 proposal near Sultan.
Supporting Sultan’s Highway 2 improvement plan
Following last legislative session, Sultan officials continued to show strong leadership and collaboration in identifying a viable solution to congestion and safety issues near Sultan. The city has identified a preferred corridor improvement plan that includes several project components, which will be completed as funding is acquired. Currently, the city is working to secure funding to replace the Wagley Creek Bridge and fish culvert, and also adding a two-lane roundabout at Sultan Basin Road and Highway 2. I am in full support of this project to improve this portion of the corridor.
This year, on behalf of the city, I have sponsored a Transportation Budget request of $5 million to support the design and right-of-way acquisition of the bridge replacement and the development of a roundabout at Sultan Basin Road and Highway 2. In addition to direct budget requests, I also support Sultan’s efforts to secure state and federal grants to fund this project. Also, a portion of WSDOT’s safety funds approved in 2015 will be used to develop a roundabout at Old Owen Road. Funding support is also provided by the Puget Sound Regional Council for design and right-of-way work for another roundabout at Main Street. Together, these project components will provide significant relief to the community and to the region. These exciting developments are the result of months of hard work by Sultan officials. I will continue to advocate for these Highway 2 improvements among my top legislative priorities.
 While I am a new state Senator to Sultan, I have greatly appreciated many meetings and visits with your Mayor Russell Wiita. (This photo in the Senate chambers was taken on the opening day of session). Your city leaders, staff, and consultants have been terrific to work with. Also, the 39th District legislators (Sen. Wagoner, Rep. Eslick, and Rep. Low) who share a portion of Sultan have also been helpful. These legislators have sent this letter of support to transportation leaders.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve
My position as state Senator exists to serve you. If you have any questions about the session, about Highway 2, or other topics, please contact me at senatorbradhawkins.org. If you need immediate assistance at any time, please call our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Please like and follow me on Facebook @SenatorBradHawkins, for my latest updates.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
 Brad Hawkins
State Senator Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
Facebook: @SenatorBradHawkins
203 Legislative Modular Building - P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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