Joy Dopita

The committee reviewed and analyzed 2026 project applications and 2024 earmarked projects, organizing them into four distinct funding tiers totaling $30 million, $40 million, and $50 million, respectively. Discussions focused on project deliverables, funding impacts, and the necessity of follow-up regarding specific municipal and port infrastructure requests. The committee also outlined plans for future prioritized lists and individual funding recommendations to be presented at upcoming meetings.

The committee conducted a review and analysis of 2026 project applications and earmarked projects, including extensive deliberations on regional funding equity, local road work commitment, and transportation benefit district obligations. Based on the evaluation, the committee reclassified several projects across different funding tiers, resulting in specific recommendations for the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge, International Way Grade Separation, 32nd Street Underpass, Latah Bridge Preservation, Garfield Rd Roundabout Improvements, Intermodal Spur, Granite Falls Bridge Replacement, DIP Terminal 1 Improvement, University Way and Water Street Improvements, US 101 Intersection Improvements, and the Port Community System Tracker. Staff were directed to verify additional project details, including traffic impact fees and local fund contributions.

The committee reviewed and analyzed earmarked projects and 2026 applications for the Six-Year Investment Program, aiming to establish funding priorities for the 2027-2029 biennium. Discussions included project updates from various cities, the importance of maintaining geographic equity and regional balance in project distribution, and the prioritization of applications based on scoring criteria. The committee also considered the inclusion of innovative projects, refined funding targets for the upcoming bienniums, and addressed potential conflicts of interest among committee members regarding projects funded by multiple entities.

The board meeting agenda included an action item to approve project recommendations for the Six-Year Investment Program. Informational sessions covered updates on the Talley Way Corridor Project, WSDOT Eastern Region activities, the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, and various capital projects. Additionally, the board received presentations on the City of Spokane, the Freight and Goods Transportation System study, a truck parking update, the Inland Intermodal Feasibility study, the outreach and engagement plan, and a report on the operating budget.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding the Local Bridge Program, which covered national bridge inspection standards, asset management, and critical safety findings. Additionally, the committee reviewed the 2026 project applications for the Six-Year Investment Program, noting the volume, eligibility criteria, and scoring methodology, while deferring the discussion on earmarked projects to a future meeting.