Council hears $40 million in completed and proposed transportation projects; Central Avenue preservation added to six‑year TIP

David Payne, a transportation planner, briefed the Committee of the Whole on May 5 on the draft 2027–2032 six‑year Transportation Improvement Program. Payne reviewed completed projects that will be removed from the TIP, the outreach undertaken for the update and newly proposed projects, including a Central Avenue preservation candidate and a pedestrian hybrid beacon safety improvement on State Route 99.

Payne said the list of city‑led completed projects totals about $40 million in construction and leverages approximately 50 percent in grant funds from regional and federal sources including WSDOT, PSRC and the Transportation Improvement Board. He identified recent completions such as Maker Street near 64th Avenue, Meeker Street improvements near Kent Elementary, and roundabout work on Wreath Road, and highlighted grant‑funded school safety investments such as flashing beacons at seven elementary schools.

The new preservation project shown on the draft maps covers Central Avenue between State Route 167 and East James Street; staff said funding will be sought through competitive grants. Payne encouraged further public input via engage.kentwah.gov and reminded council the public hearing on the TIP will be held in regular session on May 19 at 7 p.m.

Councilmembers offered praise for the grant leveraging and school safety work. Payne said staff will present the draft at the May 19 hearing and continue outreach to stakeholders.

Next steps: public hearing May 19; final TIP adoption thereafter pending public input and grant outcomes.