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.
President George Bush signs 2004 Federal Budget. Included is $4.0 million to assist with four-laning U.S. Highway 12. Senator Patty Murray and Congressman George Nethercutt played instrumental roles in securing the appropriation. Senator Maria Cantwell was also supportive.
Left to Right:
Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Council Member
Paul Schneidmiller, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Ed Ammon, City of College Place Mayor
Gary Locke, Washington State Governor
Amy Cruz, Boise Communications Manager
Ken Jantz, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Left to Right:
Jim Kuntz, Port of Walla Walla, Executive Director
Gary Locke, Washington State Governor
Yolanda Cortinas Trout, U.S. Highway 12 Coalition Member
Left to Right:
Left to Right:
Left to Right:
Phase I completed ahead of schedule and within $11.1 million budget.
Casey Pond Section
President George Bush signs 2005 Federal Budget. Included is $2,250,000 to assist with four-laning U.S. Highway 12. Senator Patty Murray and Congressman George Nethercutt played instrumental roles in securing the appropriation. Senator Maria Cantwell was also supportive.
Left to Right:
Jim Kuntz, Port of Walla Walla, Executive Director
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris
David Condon, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris District Director
Paul Schneidmiller, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Left to Right:
David Condon, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris District Director
Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Council Member
Dave Carey, Walla Walla County Commissioner
Ken Jantz, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Joyce Anderson, Artist
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris
Ed Ammon, City of College Place Mayor
Left to Right:
Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Council Member
Ken Jantz, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Senator Maria Cantwell
Ed Ammon, City of College Place Mayor
Dave Carey, Walla Walla County Commissioner
Jim Caddey, Boise Paper Financial Manager
Jim Kuntz, Port of Walla Walla, Executive Director
Left to Right:
Ken Jantz, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Council Member
Senator Patty Murray
Jim Caddey, Boise Paper Financial Manager
Dave Carey, Walla Walla County Commissioner
Ed Ammon, City of College Place Mayor
Left to Right:
Dave Carey, Walla Walla County Commissioner
Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Council Member
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris
Ed Ammon, City of College Place Mayor
Ken Jantz, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
Jim Caddey, Boise Paper Financial Manager