From improvements on Southwest Chehalis and Northwest Pacific avenues to annual re-striping and roadway repairs, the City of Chehalis completed six transportation projects costing a total of $1,253,286 thanks to the city’s transportation benefit district.
Chehalis Street and Stormwater Superintendent Fritz Beierle provided the Chehalis City Council with the 2023 annual report on the district during the city council meeting on Monday, May 13.
It’s an independent taxing district that generates revenue for the sole purpose of transportation improvements.
An annual report is required by state law.
After the district was formed in 2014, voters ratified a 10-year 0.2% sales tax increase to fund projects in 2017.
In 2023, the district had a starting budget of $1,673,226.72, Beierle told the council. Total revenues brought in last year amounted to $2,252,572.07.
Beierle broke down where different revenue came from, with $1,539,368.56 coming directly from the district’s sales tax, $142,923.34 coming from interest earnings and an additional $570,280.17 in Washington state Transportation Improvement Board grants.
Starting budget and revenues combined in 2023 totalled $3,925,753.79. The six transportation projects completed last year costing $1,253,285.94 weren’t the only use of the district’s funds. Beierle said supplies and professional services were also paid for.
In total, the city spent $1,259,559.23 in transportation benefit district funds last year, according to the council’s agenda report. This left the district with a starting budget of $2,666,239.56 for 2024.
The six transportation projects funds went toward included:
• $544,240.40 for improvements on Southwest Chehalis Avenue
• $10,486.65 for reconstruction on Northwest Pacific Avenue
• $656,925.28 for the second phase of the Main Street improvement project
• $10,387.20 for roundabout repairs
• $12,037.65 for roadway re-striping
• $19,208.76 for the annual transportation benefit district safety program
As for what projects the city will spend the funds on in 2024, Chehalis Interim City Manager Lance Bunker told the council it depends on needs that arise.
“We take a look at roads. We see a neighborhood that’s in need of repair, and then we bring that to the council (for approval),” Bunker said.
Some areas currently under consideration include South Market Boulevard, 13th Street and more improvements on Southwest Chehalis Avenue.
To learn more about the transportation benefit district, visit https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/publicworks/transportation-benefit-district.
