WA Legislature asked to widen Columbia Center Blvd. + other Kennewick priorities
With lawmakers gathering this week in Olympia to start the 2025 legislative session, Kennewick is asking for more than $16 million for various local projects.
That includes nearly $15 million to add two lanes to Columbia Center Boulevard, more than $1 million to replace a Columbia Park boat launch, and $300,000 to study traffic solutions at 12 railroad crossings.
The city also is requesting the Legislature to invest in replacing the region’s failing analog emergency systems radio infrastructure, as well as fund part of the expansion at Three Rivers Convention Center.
“During this session, we are committed to advocating for priorities that will enhance our infrastructure, support economic growth and improve the quality of life for our residents,” said city spokesperson Dana Dollarhyde. “Each of these projects reflects our dedication to creating a safer, more connected and vibrant community.”
City council members and staff met with state Sen. Matt Boehnke and Rep. April Connors during a special meeting last week to outline their priorities.
The city wants legislators to focus on policies that aim to increase public safety, support different approaches to managing homeless populations, improve regulations around forever chemicals in city water and pay for infrastructure improvements.
The city council, through a resolution of support for the Association of Washington Cities, will support legislation raising the annual cap on property tax increases to more than 1%.
And the city also is asking for the state’s partnership in recruiting and retaining public defense lawyers and allocating money to satisfy the region’s growing attorney caseloads.
Here are Kennewick’s 5 priorities for Washington’s 105-day legislative session that begins Monday, Jan. 13, and is set to conclude April 27.
$14.7 million: Columbia Center Boulevard
Columbia Center Boulevard is a main artery connecting Tri-City residents with retail, entertainment and government services.
It’s Kennewick’s busiest corridor, carrying about 40,000 vehicles a day.
As traffic volumes continue to increase, the city is requesting $14.7 million to add a southbound and northbound lane between Quinault and Deschutes avenues. This project will widen the boulevard to three lanes in each direction, with additional turn lanes and traffic signal upgrades.
It’s ranked No. 3 of the Benton-Franklin Council of Government’s six large regional transportation projects, and its design is already paid for.
The project would also improve improvements to curbs, gutters, sidewalks, storm drains, lighting and intersections at West Quinault Avenue, West Grandridge Boulevard and West Deschutes Avenue.
$1.3 million: Water Follies boat launch
A critical boat launch in Columbia Park is nearing the end of its useful life and its floats are sinking into the Columbia River.
It’s a focal point for the annual Water Follies boat races, the Salmon Summit and other community events, the city says. City money and a grant already have paid to design its replacement at the Lampson Pits docks, 1674 Paul Parish Drive.
“The project is now construction-ready and permitted for construction until 2028,” said city documents. “Once replaced, the new boat launch will provide sustainable, environmentally friendly and accessible boarding floats to improve access and activities on the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers for residents and visitors.”
The three new floats will cost $1.3 million in all.
$300,000: Study 12 new railroad crossings
The city is also requesting $300,000 to study possible grade separations at 12 intersections. This would be accomplished by either raising or lowering rail lines or roadways to create new crossings.
“These at-grade crossings present conflicts between modes of transportation that result in traffic congestion, safety issues, barriers to economic growth, and increased air and noise pollution for the community,” said the city.
The lines are owned by either United Pacific or Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Train crossings can cause delays of up to 20 minutes for residents.
The study would look at several crossings downtown, including three each along Fruitland, Benton and Washington streets, as well as the Gum Street crossing near 1st Avenue.
Two other crossings would be considered in central Kennewick: the Kellogg Street crossing near West Deschutes Avenue and the North Edison Street crossing at West Metaline Avenue.
Public safety infrastructure
No specific financial amount was listed for Kennewick’s request for help replacing the failing emergency service radio systems in both Benton and Franklin counties and part of Walla Walla County.
Convention center expansion
No specific amount was listed for the city’s request for assistance in expanding the convention center. Once expanded, the convention center will annually attract 200,000 visitors and more than 70,000 hotel reservations, say city officials.
