Eatonville Town Council signs off on streetscape project costs

The Eatonville Town Council passed three resolutions at its July 11 meeting having to do with the state Route 161/Washington Avenue North Corridor Streetscape Phase 2 project, which includes new sidewalks with Americans with Disability Act-compliant curb ramps, lighting, stormwater drainage, landscaping and a rapid rectangular flashing beacon system at the intersection of Highway 161 and Carter Street East.

The council approved authorizing Mayor David Baublits to execute a contract with Johansen Construction Company for the project in the amount of $2,769,861.95.
Also, the council approved funding for the increased cost of the project. Eatonville was awarded a grant from the Puget Sound Regional Council of nearly $2.15 million. Since then, construction costs have increased to $2.48 million.

The town has been offered additional federal funding from the Small City Federal Match Fund Program by the Transportation Benefit District for $125,000.
The remaining cost to the town is an estimated $564,800, and with the town having allocated in the 2022 budget $110,400 from the real estate excise tax fund and $110,400 from the TPD fund, that leaves $164,000 of the remaining matching funds to be allocated from the electric fund and $180,000 to be allocated from Eatonville’s portion of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Finally, the council authorized Baublits to execute a construction agreement with the state Department of Transportation allowing for improvements within the state right of way as part of the SR 161/Washington Avenue North Corridor Streetscape Phase 2 project.

The council voted to table an ordinance imposing an additional quarter-percent on the real estate excise tax until more information could be obtained. The vote was 2-2, with Baublits breaking the tie.