SR 162 community group invites Orting residents to June 5 transportation open house

Maxine Herbert Hill, representing the SR 162 Community Group, told the Orting City Council she is organizing an open house on Thursday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McMillan Grange for residents to learn about transportation projects across East Pierce County.

“This is an open house addressing transportation in the greater East Pierce County area,” Hill said. “We are defining East Pierce County as anything east of Meridian Street.”

Why it matters: Hill told the council that East Pierce County is the fastest‑growing area in the county and that residents want clearer timelines, budget status and project procedures because development and commute congestion are increasing. Pierce County Public Works is expected to attend and present project lists; Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) staff were not expected to attend in person, though the organizers said they will provide a list of WSDOT projects that are in progress or pending.

Details provided at the meeting

• Event: SR 162 Open House — Thursday, June 5, 4–7 p.m., McMillan Grange.

• Organizer: SR 162 Community Group; speaker: Maxine Herbert Hill, resident on 106th Street, representing the group.

• Purpose: To provide residents with information about East Pierce County transportation projects, timelines, budget status and projects awaiting funding or further action; Pierce County Public Works will be present and is expected to present project information.

• WSDOT participation: Hill said she was doubtful WSDOT would attend but that a list of WSDOT projects would be made available to attendees.

Quote (from the meeting)

• Maxine Herbert Hill: “We are defining East Pierce County as anything East of Meridian Street.”

Next steps

Hill invited council members and the public to attend the open house to learn about county and state transportation projects affecting East Pierce County and to ask questions in a public forum.