Report to the Community
Summary of Transportation Expenditures
By the Puyallup Tribe of Indians
2007 to Present
Since 2007, the Puyallup Tribe has expended just under $25 million on transportation expenditures – almost double the amount required by its fuel tax compact with the state of Washington. Expenditures are reviewed annually by a third party auditor, who provides a compliance report to the State. These expenditures, most for projects in collaboration with state and local governments on non-tribal roads, are accelerating transportation improvements that benefit the entire region, creating jobs and improving mobility for all residents and visitors in Washington.
The Tribe continues its partnership with local jurisdictions by providing access to Federal funding programs to address local transportation needs. The Tribe recently endorsed one City of Tacoma and three Pierce County road projects for 2012 Federal Lands Highways Discretionary Grants. These grants are only available to jurisdictions that partner with Tribes. The Tribe has committed $1.3 million in matching funds for the City’s grant application.
Below is a sampling of the Tribe’s expenditures since 2007, including both completed and ongoing projects.
30th Avenue Safety Project, Tacoma
Paving, lighting, ADA access, replacement of sidewalks on both sides of 30th Avenue from Portland Avenue to R Street, and one side of 31st Avenue, including relocation of public utilities. Permitted through the City of Tacoma. Anticipated completion date in Spring 2012.
Pacific Highway, Fife
Development of civil engineering, right of way identification and planning for the installation of storm water and utilities in a three lane road between Pacific Highway South and 12th Avenue. The development of the roadway and utilities is to enhance traffic circulation and thus traffic safety of the general public and to provide an alternative access point for ingress/egress to the 54th Street interchange with I-5 where the service level is below standard. Project design began in 2009, and the project is currently in the construction phase. The project will be completed in 2012.
R Street Widening and Paving Project, Tacoma
Paving and widening of R Street from 29th Avenue to 32nd Avenue, including curbs, gutters, lighting, and sidewalks on both sides as well as stormwater system. Permitted through the City of Tacoma. The project will be completed in Spring 2012.
Grandview Widening and Paving Project, Tacoma
Paving and widening through nine blocks from Grandview Learning Center to 32nd Avenue with sidewalk on one side, including curbs, gutters, lighting, and stormwater drainage. Permitted through the City of Tacoma. Paving will be completed in Spring 2012.
Grandview Avenue/East R Street Construction Project, Tacoma
The project involves construction of an access road off of Grandview Avenue for the Grandview Learning Center due to safety concerns related to increased traffic projections, and will include installation of a storm water conveyance system from Grandview Ave to 32nd Street. In 2009, activities related to this project included preliminary engineering, design, NEPA, right of way and completion of plans for the access road. The stormwater conveyance has been installed, and the project is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2012.
Lower Huckleberry Creek Bridge Project, Greenwater
Replacement of a 90ft span bridge, including an access road to the bridge. The project was done under agreement with the Forest Service; the Tribe met the requirements of federal environmental law (NEPA) and will be responsible for bridge maintenance after the project is completed. The project went out to bid in 2011 and construction began in August 2011. The project is now finished and operational.
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Wilkeson Hatchery Access Roads Project
Rehabilitation of approximately 1.5 miles of access road, including lighting and fencing along a portion of the road. Survey and design work is ongoing, and it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2012.
Pioneer & Browning Street Project, Tacoma
Widening project including sidewalks, lighting, and road widening at the intersection with Pioneer Avenue with a turning lane and turning signal. This is a major safety project in an area where numerous accidents have occurred. In design and permitting phase. The project includes approximately 3/4 mile of paved road.
The Tribe is in a collaborative partnership with the City of Tacoma in application for Federal funds for this project. The Tribe has committed $1.3 million dollars in matching funds to the City of Tacoma’s grant application for a 2012 Public Lands Highways Discretionary Grant.
Emergency Access Road Project, Tacoma
Developing an emergency services route for fire, emergency medical and police vehicles from Roosevelt to property lines behind existing facilities on Division between Grandview and Roosevelt. The preliminary concept has been submitted to the City of Tacoma.
Signal/Traffic Control, Puyallup
City of Puyallup received seed money in 2008 for a signal/traffic controller which allowed for traffic lights on River Road to be accessed from a different location when issues occur such as traffic jams, Lahar, or other problems. In 2009, the Tribe provided funds to the City for 25 more traffic light hook-ups.
Electron Dam Road, Orting
A portion of the road was washed out in a 2006 flood event. This project involved re-engineering to prevent further erosion and replacement of a portion of the road. The project was completed in 2009.
Transportation Planning and Collaboration with State and Local Governments
a. I-5 HOV Project, Tacoma and Fife: Tribal staff is working with WSDOT regarding HOV improvements on I-5.
b. East Side Community Projects: Tribal staff is working with the City of Tacoma with respect to long-range transportation planning involving several city streets.
c. Additional Transportation Planning and Administration: Tribal staff works in collaboration with a number of federal, state and local government agencies to plan and administer transportation projects in the region.
d. Inspection Services: The Puyallup Tribe pays for City of Tacoma inspectors for both the R Street and Grandview projects, fees to exceed $100,000.
Police Services
Tribal police provide traffic safety services throughout the Puyallup Reservation, and the Tribe provides funding and support to Washington State Patrol and local government police agencies.