On the same night the Centralia School District’s replacement levy was finally approved by voters, the City of Centralia completed the installation of a new illuminated gateway sign mounted on a recently erected arch spanning Harrison Avenue.
Centralia City Engineer Patty Page announced the sign’s electrical workings were almost completed at the end of the Centralia City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
“In about 45 minutes, it’s going to be lit up,” Page said.
The arch and sign, which reads “Centralia Hub City” with a wheel, is located on Harrison Avenue just east of Bridge Street near the bridge over the Skookumchuck River.
“Our gateway sign is beautiful. It’s exciting. I’m so glad it’s there,” Centralia City Councilor Max Vogt said.
According to Page, the total cost of the sign, arch and installation was approximately $250,000, though she could not remember the exact total.
“And that cost may also include the (signs) by the freeway too,” Page added.
Funding for the signs came from Centralia’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), which is funded through the lodging tax at hotels and motels in the city.
While more signs are planned, Page said the city’s LTAC funds have been used up.
With the loss of three hotels over the past year and a half, the funds aren’t being replenished as quickly or to the level funds were at before — even with the opening of the new La Quinta Inn & Suites on Mellen Street the past November.
