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February 20, 2024
Dear Carnation Residents,
There is increased concern about recent accidents at the State Route 203 and Tolt Hill Road intersection. In meetings last August and December, city, county, and tribal representatives discussed the growing safety and traffic flow challenges at this intersection. In the months following our initial meeting, your city and local stakeholders have been very helpful in communicating updates about unfortunate accidents at the intersection.
 Since our initial August stakeholder meeting, the Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has implemented many 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. The community is now seeking a long-term solution and funding. Click to view the Stakeholder Request Packet.
Local stakeholders meeting
As many of you know, over the past several months, my office has worked closely with a group of your local stakeholders to try to identify both short and long-term improvements to the intersection. A first meeting was held on August 17, 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), the City of Carnation, the Snoqualmie Tribe, King County, Councilmember Perry’s Office, Congresswoman Schrier’s Office, the Sno Valley Chamber, 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 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. Since the August meeting, WSDOT has implemented a variety of “calming measures” to improve safety at the intersection. An additional stakeholder meeting took place at Remlinger Farms on December 6.
Improvements needed at SR 203/Tolt Hill Road
 WSDOT provided this initial design for a compact “oval-shaped” roundabout and estimates the costs to be approximately $2 million. If funded, this project would not be constructed until summer of 2026. Stakeholders are actively seeking funding.
Identifying a long-term solution
In addition to the short-term measures WSDOT is implementing, I have encouraged stakeholders to engage in discussions – perhaps quarterly – to identify a longer-term solution for this troubling intersection. Click here to review the analysis of a prior corridor study. Funding sources were also discussed during the August 17 and December 6 meetings, including local, state, and federal funding options as well as grant possibilities. The City of Carnation and representatives from Remlinger Farms have been organizing this effort, one that involves many local and regional stakeholders.
 I am honored to represent Carnation as part of the redesigned 12th Legislative District. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, I work hard to advocate for local communities. Securing the SR 203 roundabout’s funding this session is difficult because the two-year budget was approved last session, but stakeholders can build upon this year’s efforts to seek funding in future years.
Seeking roundabout 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 has taken a while, but with the help of the Regional WSDOT office, a preliminary design and cost estimate has now been prepared. Participants in the planning process include WSDOT, the City of Carnation, King County, the Snoqualmie Tribe, and others.
The state transportation budget for 2023-2025 was approved last session, so getting the project included this year is challenging. 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 advocate for the roundabout’s funding will be very helpful. Securing local and federal funds could also be needed to supplement state funding.
 At the February 14 meeting at the State Capitol, Carnation Mayor Jim Ribail, Councilmember Jessica Merizan, and stakeholders made a strong case for funding. Included in this photo is Ribail, Merizan, staff from the City of Carnation, the Snoqualmie Tribe, Rep. Mike Steele, Remlinger Farms, the Sno Valley Chamber, and Councilmember Sarah Perry of King County.
 Nathan Sherfey of Remlinger Farms makes a strong case for funding while transportation committee officials, including Chair Marko Liias, Ranking Member Curtis King, and Rep. Keith Goeher, listen to the discussion.
Working with Carnation officials
I was nervous about the significant changes to the 12th Legislative District boundaries just over a year ago. I pride myself on building relationships and connecting with communities, but it is not always easy when legislative district boundaries change so abruptly. Your city council and local stakeholders, including representatives from King County, the Snoqualmie Tribe, the Sno Valley Chamber, Remlinger Farms, and others, have been so kind and welcoming to me over the past several months. This alone says a lot about your community. I will continue to listen to them closely when developing legislative priorities beyond your transportation needs. Your 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.
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 I have enjoyed keeping in close communication with city officials, meeting in Carnation, Olympia, and remotely. Here is a recent photo at the State Capitol.
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
P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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