Rural Washington's Infrastructure Wishlist

Rural Washington communities want to see federal infrastructure funding allocated to projects in the historically neglected eastern parts of the state.

2 minute read

February 25, 2022, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Rendering of Proposed Confluence Parkway at Wenatchee River

Wenatchee leaders hope the state will fund the long-awaited Confluence Parkway project. | City of Wenatchee / Proposed Confluence Parkway at Wenatchee River

Jacob Jones of Crosscut.com describes the projects that rural leaders in Washington state hope will be funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). But many worry that rural areas will be ignored by the state legislature. "Of $4 billion allocated to new and existing highway projects in the transportation proposal before the Legislature this year, just $2.5 million (less than 1%) goes to projects east of the Cascades."

According to the article, "Rural communities have prioritized additional state dollars for economic development, water treatment systems, broadband networks, mental health services and flood control measures. Smaller cities and counties have also asked for more predictable shared revenue and flexibility on local tax options."

"Local leaders around the state say they are watching where those dollars go, as they make their own decisions on how to use federal recovery money to rebuild their communities. While local cities and counties have control over how some federal infrastructure dollars can be spent, they must wait for the Legislature to decide how the rest of the billions in transportation stimulus money will be distributed."

Jones mentions that "The transportation package would still offer billions of dollars to many cities outside the Puget Sound region to pay for switching bus fleets to electric, fish barrier removal, safety programs, new bike trails and many other initiatives. About $151 million would go to railroad line rehabilitation in Eastern Washington."

Thursday, February 17, 2022 in Investigate West

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City