Donation will support City of Snoqualmie efforts to alleviate traffic at SR 18/Parkway interchange
NOQUALMIE, WA – On March 27th, 2019 the Snoqualmie Tribe Impact Mitigation Committee voted to contribute $75,000 to the City’s effort to raise matching funds for a temporary access road at the SR 18 / I-90 interchange. The temporary access road would help alleviate morning traffic congestion at the intersection, which backs up daily along SR 18 and the Snoqualmie Parkway.
If the necessary funds are raised, the interim access road will create an alternative access point for traffic leaving Snoqualmie headed west on I-90 during the construction of the much anticipated diverging diamond improvements at the intersection. The construction of the divergent diamond is estimated by WSDOT to be completed by 2025.
During construction, the temporary access road would reduce traffic traveling through the signalized intersection of the westbound on ramps at I-90 which is a critical intersection for Snoqualmie morning commuters.
By reducing the southbound traffic through the intersection, more of the “green” time at the signal can instead be assigned to the northbound traffic backed up on SR18 heading west or east on I-90.
“The Tribe is committed and grateful for this opportunity to partner with the City in the effort to improve travel times while improving safety measures through one of the busiest intersections in the State,” said Snoqualmie Tribe Vice Chair and Impact Committee Member Michael Ross.
Covington’s City Council voted Monday night to support the project as well, by approving a $50,000 contribution. Snoqualmie Mayor Larson has also had positive conversations with Maple Valley for a similar pending contribution.
“We are very grateful for the generous support from the Tribe and other partners for this long overdue and much-needed project”, stated Mayor Matt Larson. “Such partnerships are essential for solving tough regional problems.”
The Impact Mitigation Committee provides funding to mitigate impacts on public services such as law enforcement, emergency services, human services programs, and other service agencies, including traffic and transportation, resulting from the operation of the Snoqualmie Casino. Committee Members include one representative each from the City of Snoqualmie, King County, and the State of Washington, and two representatives from the Snoqualmie Tribe. The vote to contribute the $75,000 was unanimous.
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Known as the People of the Moon, Snoqualmie were signatories to the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. Tribal enterprises provide over 1,700 jobs in the Snoqualmie Valley, and the Snoqualmie Tribe has donated more than $8 million to nonprofit organizations in Washington State since 2010. For more information visit www.snoqualmietribe.us