Battle Ground is set to receive millions in federal funding in this year’s congressional spending bill, which is part of nearly $15 million going to Southwest Washington projects in total.
On Dec. 23, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2023 omnibus spending bill, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden’s desk. The $1.7 trillion in federal funding includes just shy of $15 million for the region, featuring $2 million for a project to improve Southeast Grace Avenue in Battle Ground.
The $2 million is for “phase two” of a project to realign the road. Grace Avenue is currently broken up by Main Street, with about 100 feet between its north and south sections.
The project will run from East Main Street to Southeast Rasmussen Boulevard and will feature single through lanes in both directions and a center turn lane, according to project information from the City of Battle Ground website. The project will also add bike lanes, planter strips and sidewalks.
When complete, Grace Avenue will have a traffic signal at its intersection with Main Street, according to the city.
The project is currently in the engineering phase at about 60% complete, according to information from the city. In total, the project is estimated to cost roughly $6.3 million.
The Grace Avenue project is one of 14 in Southwest Washington that received funding in the omnibus bill, according to a release from U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s office. It includes various infrastructure projects, funding for police departments and social services, sediment monitoring on the Cowlitz and Toutle rivers downstream of Mount St. Helens and improved 911 infrastructure for Cowlitz County. The other projects in Southwest Washington included in the release are below.
Mount St. Helens sediment control
The Army Corps of Engineers will receive $856,000 to conduct Mount St. Helens sediment monitoring activities on the Cowlitz and Toutle Rivers.
Columbia River turning basin navigation improvements
The Army Corps of Engineers will also receive $900,000 to support the completion of a feasibility study of improvements to the Longview Turning Basin on the Columbia River.
Body cameras for police in Washougal
The Washougal Police Department will receive $131,000 for its body worn camera pilot program.
Washougal Wastewater Treatment Plant anoxic selector project
Washougal will receive $1,000,000 to assist in improving operations and efficiency at the Washougal Wastewater Treatment Plant through the construction of an anoxic selector.
Children’s Behavioral Health Services integration and expansion project in Clark County
Vancouver-based Family Solutions will receive $816,000 to increase its space with a new 17,000 square-foot facility.
Cowlitz 911 public safety radio technology modernization and microwave replacement
Cowlitz County will receive $2,179,000 to replace obsolete radio systems technology and failing equipment. The money will expand the county’s radio communications footprint across 1,200 square miles of Cowlitz County to improve safety for first responders and citizens.
De-escalation police training simulator in Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County will also receive $215,000 to purchase simulator equipment and train two officers on the use of the equipment, who will then train additional officers.
Shadow Mountain water system extension and booster pump station in Longview
The city of Longview will receive $1.5 million to assist in installing a new master pump station that will replace five aging existing water boosters currently serving the city.
City of Long Beach for lift station replacements
The city of Long Beach will receive $1.67 million to assist in replacing four concrete sewer lift stations throughout the city which are now cracked and settled due to the elements on the Long Beach peninsula.
Skamania County Public Utility District No. 1 Carson Water Treatment Plant rebuild
Skamania County Public Utility District No. 1 will receive $3,000,000 to assist in providing reliable drinking water year-round to meet current needs and well into the future.
Bonneville Lock and Dam, tribal housing
A sum of $100,000 will help complete the Bonneville Tribal Housing Special Study in consultation with affected Columbia River treaty tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to investigate outstanding requirements for replacement housing needs in any identified areas of displacement along the Bonneville Dam reservoir.
Wahkiakum County Public Utility District No. 1 Puget Island water system mainline improvement project
Wahkiakum County Public Utility District No. 1 will receive $261,000 to improve the Puget Island water system’s reliability and address the system’s ability to supply water to its customers when problems arise.
Future Leaders Project – Pathways to Opportunity
A $350,000 grant will provide funding to expand the Future Leaders Project in Southwest Washington, which will connect underrepresented college students with local internships.
