On August 20, 2001 a group of public and private interests met to chart a new comprehensive strategy designed to advance Walla Walla Valley's long sought after goal of four-laning U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank, Washington to Walla Walla, Washington. As a result of this meeting, the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition was formed.
The Coalition's first action was to retain the services of Ball Janik to work with our congressional delegation as critical transportation authorization and appropriation bills make there way through congress. In addition, Ball Janik coordinates coalition member visitations to Washington, DC to meet with congressional members and key congressional committee staff.
The coalition also made a commitment to develop comprehensive marketing materials to articulate the safety and economic development justification for four-laning U.S. Highway 12. This website is a product of the coalition's marketing efforts. Below in chronological order, is a description of some of the coalition's efforts and accomplishments.
Tri-City Herald Article:
(Feb. 16, 2002) - Push on for Highway 12 widening
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin Article:
(Feb. 17, 2002) - WW project to four-lane U.S. 12 on track
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin Article:
(Feb. 20, 2002) - Aggressive Efforts Needed To Make U.S. 12 Safer
Due to a shortfall in the Washington State Department of Transportation's budget, a host of transportation projects across the state were targeted to be eliminated, cut or delayed. The first phase of four-laning U.S. Highway 12 previously approved with $10.1 million in state funding was at risk.
A host of coalition members wrote letters to the Washington State Transportation Commission, phone calls were made to the respective chairs of the House & Senate Transportation Committees, and our 16th Legislative District members (Senator Mike Hewitt, Representative Bill Grant and Representative Dave Mastin) wrote Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald a joint letter seeking to retain phase one funding.
At the April 17, Transportation Commission Meeting in Olympia the following coalition members provided testimony seeking to retain funding:
While a multitude of projects throughout the state were cut or substantially delayed, the coalition was successful in retaining $730,000 in current fiscal year funding to allow phase one four-laning to go out to bid in October 2002. The remaining construction funding will be released when the new fiscal year starts on July 1, 2003.
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin Articles:
(April 3, 2002) - U.S. 12 project on state chopping block
(April 5, 2002) - U.S. 12 project faces year delay
(April 11, 2002) - Area officials prepare for battle over U.S. 12 funds
(April 18, 2002) - Highway 12 project put back on path
Dave Carey, Walla Walla County Commissioner
Fred Bennett, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Mayor
Meetings held with:
* The coalition met with Congressman Quinn who represents the Buffalo, New Yor area at the request of the Cliffstar Corporation, a New York based juice manufacturing company that is opening a production facility in Walla Walla. Cliffstar supports the four-laning of U.S. Highway 12 to enhance the movement of freight into and out of Walla Walla.
Doug MacDonald, Secretary of Transportation
Fred Bennett, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin Article:
(July 25, 2002) - U.S. 12 may get funding boost
Tri-City Herald Article:
(July 25, 2002) - Tri-City highways could get funding
Fred Bennett, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Dave Carey, Walla Walla County Commissioner
Senator Patty Murray
Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Mayor
Press Release:
Remarks by Senator Murray at U.S. Highway 12 Event in Walla Walla
