Washingtoner - Community Partnerships Help Tacoma Secure Funding for Safer Streets

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~ Tacoma, WA- The City of Tacoma's Public Works Department has recently announced the successful acquisition of two significant grants that will greatly improve traffic safety and connectivity for residents. These grants, the Stewart Middle School Safe Routes to School Grant and the South Tacoma Way Vision Zero Project Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Grant, were secured through the efforts of the department and will have a positive impact on the community.

The Stewart Middle School Safe Routes to School Grant, awarded by the Washington State Department of Transportation, totals $2.04 million with an additional $443,000 provided by the city as a match. This grant will support Safe Routes to School (SRTS) improvements around Stewart Middle School. The SRTS program aims to make it safer, more convenient, and enjoyable for K-12 students and their families to walk, bike, or actively roll to school. This is achieved through targeted infrastructure improvements, safety education programs, and encouragement initiatives.

Stewart Middle School was selected for these improvements based on crash data and measures of student vulnerability such as chronic absenteeism. Students themselves were involved in identifying safety concerns and even collaborated with a local artist to paint intersection murals as a temporary measure. With this grant funding, these improvements will now become permanent. Planned upgrades include safer intersections, a new pedestrian signal at South 52nd Street and Pacific Avenue, sidewalk connections, traffic calming measures, and a neighborhood greenway. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.

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Council Member Sandesh Sadalge expressed his satisfaction with this project stating that "the top neighborhood concern I hear in District 4 is the need for traffic safety investments." He believes that this grant is a major step towards creating safer streets and healthier communities for youth. He also emphasized the importance of listening to students' voices and responding with real improvements that will benefit Stewart Middle School families for generations to come.

Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent Josh Garcia also shared his excitement for the grant, stating that "we're thrilled to receive this significant grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation." He believes that this project is a great example of a community-driven effort, with students playing a crucial role in identifying needs. These improvements will create a safer, more accessible, and more inviting environment for students and families to travel to and from school.

For more information on Safe Routes to School, residents can visit tacoma.gov/SRTS.

The South Tacoma Way Vision Zero Project - Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Grant was also awarded by the Washington State Department of Transportation. This $1.5 million grant is fully funded with no local match required and will support planning and early design for safety improvements along South Tacoma Way between Pine Street and South 60th Street.

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This project is supported by funding from Washington's Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which aims to reduce climate pollution, create jobs, and improve public health. Council Member Joe Bushnell expressed his enthusiasm for this project, stating that "pedestrian improvements and a more livable, walkable neighborhood were identified as community priorities in the South Tacoma Neighborhood Plan." He believes that this grant provides an opportunity to make immediate investments that will enhance the livability of the neighborhood. Council Member Bushnell also co-signed a letter of support for this grant with Council Member Jamika Scott.

As part of the City's Vision Zero goal to eliminate fatal and serious crashes by 2035, South Tacoma Way was identified as a priority through crash data, speed studies, and strong community input. The project will include extensive community engagement, design alternatives, and planning for nearby streets to address traffic diversion. Work is expected to begin in early 2026.

Residents can find more information on Vision Zero at tacoma.gov/visionzero.

These grants are significant investments in the safety and well-being of Tacoma residents. They demonstrate the City's commitment to creating safer streets and more livable neighborhoods for all. With the support of these grants, the City of Tacoma's Public Works Department will continue to work towards its goal of improving traffic safety and connectivity for all residents.

Filed Under: Government, City

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