SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – A new state-funded program, the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program, aims to improve sidewalks, crossings and active transportation in Spokane Valley. The program offers 100% funding with no local match required.
Utility Engineering Manager Adam Jackson explained the grant’s purpose.
“This Sandy Williams grant is a state-funded grant opportunity that provides 100% grant award with zero local match for active transportation improvements,” Jackson stated.
The initiative focuses on neighborhoods impacted by busy state highways and areas with environmental or access barriers.
“Primarily focused on communities that are affected by barriers to opportunity and environmental health disparities directly related to state highways or state legacy highways,” Jackson added.
However, some residents question the investment in sidewalks and bike lanes, especially given the region’s long winters.
“Since we have winter more than six months out of the year typically, is the cost-benefit really worth it? I don’t know. We’d have to look into that,” Spokane Valley resident Katherine Nelson said.
Others, like local resident Mike Dolan, believe road repairs should take precedence.
“They need to stop investing in bike lanes, bus stops, and STA until they get the roads fixed. They need to fix the roads because bikes don’t work great in the wintertime. Cars are just a necessity out here. Things are far apart. It’s not a walking city,” Dolan said.
City staff emphasized that the application is still preliminary, serving as a planning step that could lead to future projects.
