|
Augus 21, 2023
Dear Carnation Residents,
As many of you know, there is increased concern about recent accidents at the State Route 203 and Tolt Hill Road intersection. In a meeting last month, city officials and I discussed the growing safety and traffic flow challenges at this intersection. In the days following our meeting, your city has been very helpful in communicating updates about unfortunate accidents at the intersection.
Meeting held on August 17th
Over the past several weeks, my office worked to organize and invite stakeholders for a comprehensive discussion aimed at identifying both short and long-term improvements to the intersection. A meeting was held on Thursday, August 17th, which was well attended and productive. I am grateful that so many key stakeholders, including the 12th District legislators, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), City of Carnation, Snoqualmie Tribe, King County, Councilmember Perry’s Office, Congresswoman Schrier’s Office, The Remlinger Family, Seattle Public Utilities, Transportation Committee staff, and others actively participated. WSDOT administrators and engineers discussed a variety of short-term possibilities to improve safety at the intersection, including options for enhanced speed signage, painting on the roadway, real-time speed displays, and rumble strips. Engineers shared that these improvements could potentially be made in the coming weeks with existing agency funds. WSDOT was well represented at the meeting and actively engaged in the discussion, which was very encouraging. Many other stakeholders expressed strong interest in seeking solutions as well.
 |
Improvements needed at SR 203/Tolt Hill Road
At our August 17th meeting, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) discussed possible short-term safety enhancements to the SR 203/Tolt Hill Road intersection, including improved speed signage, painting on the roadway, real-time speed displays, rumble strips and more. WSDOT staff believed these measures could be made within “weeks” rather than “months,” which would benefit the community while a long-term solution is developed, designed, and funded.
Identifying a long-term solution
During the meeting, I also encouraged stakeholders to engage in discussions – perhaps on a quarterly basis – to identify a longer-term solution for this troubling intersection. Based on previous corridor studies, this could involve a roundabout for traffic and features for pedestrians. Click here to review analysis from a previous corridor study. Funding sources were also discussed during the August 17th meeting, including local, state, and federal funding options as well as grant possibilities. A collaborative effort to identify an appropriate long-term solution could take a year or more of meeting, planning, and cost estimating. The City of Carnation expressed interest in organizing this effort, one that will involve many local and regional stakeholders.
 I am honored to represent Carnation as part of the recently redesigned 12th Legislative District. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, I work hard to advocate for maintenance, preservation, and new projects in 12th District communities. The most recent state transportation “new funding” plan was developed and approved in 2022. The next likely transportation plan could begin being developed in January 2025. Construction of new projects occurs in the years following approval of funding, based on the schedule specified in the funding plan.
Securing necessary funding
The first step toward securing funding involves community and regional stakeholders developing and agreeing on a long-term transportation solution. As previously mentioned, this collaborative process could take a year or more, depending on the activity of stakeholders and the issues involved (size and scope of the proposed project, mitigation for environmental impacts, flood control considerations, etc.). Participants in the planning process could include WSDOT, City of Carnation, King County, Snoqualmie Tribe, and others. Depending on the comprehensiveness and features of any design, which could involve a roundabout and other engineering and environmental considerations, a long-term solution could cost between $4 and $10 million (or more), considering the rising costs of construction projects. Many legislators anticipate that the next state transportation improvement plan for new projects could begin being developed as early as January 2025. Stakeholders working together in the months ahead to finalizing plans and estimates in 2024 would be very helpful to align with that potential state funding timeline. Securing local and federal funds could also be needed to supplement state funding. These sources could include financial support from the Puget Sound Regional Council, King County, state-funded grants, and federal-directed appropriations.
Working with City of Carnation officials
On a personal note, I was nervous about the significant changes to the 12th Legislative District boundaries just over a year ago. I pride myself in building relationships and connecting with communities, but it is not always easy when legislative district boundaries change so abruptly. Your city council and city administrators have been so kind and welcoming to me over the past several months. This alone says a lot about your community. The council has kept in really good communication with me, which helps me be in a better position to meet your community's needs. They have been terrific advocates for Carnation, and I will continue to listen to them closely when developing legislative priorities. Your individual input as Carnation residents is also very important to me, so please reach out to my office if you have any thoughts about your community’s transportation needs or state government in general. I look forward to additional visits to your beautiful community.
 I have enjoyed keeping in close communications with your city officials, including meetings in Carnation, Olympia, and remotely. Here is a photo from a visit to the State Capitol last February during the legislative session. From left to right: Councilmembers Ryan Burrell, Adair Hawkins, myself, Mayor Jim Ribail, Tim Harris, and Dustin Green.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve
As your new State Senator, please know that your feedback is also especially important to me. If you have thoughts or feedback to share with me, please contact me anytime 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
107 Newhouse Building - P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
|
