HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCCOctober 4, 2022
GRANT COUNTY
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
P O Box 37
EPHRATA WA 98823
(509) 754-21311
Support of Funding to Upgrade the Intersection of WA -17 and WA -170
To whom it may concern,
Grant County Commissioners are writing in support of the Port of Warden's request for State
Transportation Funding to upgrade the intersection of SR -17 and SR -170 just west of Warden,
WA so that it can safely accommodate the rapidly increasing amount of traffic and freight that
is going to and from Warden on SR -170 and SR -17. The growth in traffic and freight has also
brought on safety concerns at the intersection, as during certain times of the day, it is very difficult to
safely enter or exit the intersection.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has specifically indicated that it is
aware of the issues with congestion and safety at the intersection of SR -17 and SR -170, and the
agency been working on plans to improve the intersection of SR 17 and SR 170. As traffic continues to
increase at the intersection, WSDOT has identified measures that could further improve safety and
reduce serious collisions. In particular, WSDOT has concluded that a roundabout would be the
best option to help reduce collisions and improve access on and off the highway at this
intersection. As a result, WSDOT has scoped and estimated a roundabout for the intersection of SR
17 and SR 170, but currently there is no funding from the Legislature in the State Transportation
Budget for this project.
The traffic and freight going to and from Warden is going to continue to increase. In the past few
years, a great deal of economic development and freight growth has occurred in Warden, WA,
including a canola crushing and canola oil refining facility, a new fertilizer distribution facility, additional
fresh produce packing and frozen and dehydrated food processing, and the associated warehousing
for these products. For example, Viterra's Canola Oilseed Processing Facility in Warden, WA "is the
largest commercial -scale canola processing facility west of the Rocky Mountains."
As a result of the above-mentioned business growth and economic development and the future
potential growth in the Warden, WA area as well as the above-mentioned safety issues, the
intersection of WA -17 and WA -170 needs to be upgraded and expanded to accommodate the
increasing truck freight and traffic coming from and going to Warden to service existing and new
industries.
Danny E. Stone
District 1
Rob Jones
District 2
Cindy Carter
District 3
"TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDSy SERVING TOGETHER WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES, WHILE FOSTERING
A RESPECTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT."
In conclusion, we strongly urge your support of the Port of Warden's State Transportation
Funding to upgrade the intersection of WA -17 and WA -170.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF GRANT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Danny If. Stone, Chair
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Rob J(3ies,,--�1ce--(jhair
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Cindy N'ter, Member