In the News

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene announced last week that she secured federal appropriations for several projects in the county, including $3.15 million toward the Snohomish Civic Campus at Fourth Street and Pine Avenue put forward under former Mayor Linda Redmon.

They are secured in the larger federal appropriations act which passed in the U.S. House. The U.S. Senate and President Trump would also need to confirm the packages.

The city is still spending money toward the campus because of standing contract obligations. City Councilwoman Dr. Anup Deol questioned this last week at the Snohomish council meeting, to which Mayor Aaron Hoffman replied his staff will investigate. Opposing the cost of the campus was one of his campaign stumping points.

DelBene secured money for some 11 Snohomish County projects. These include:

• $2 million to Community Transit, toward extending the Swift bus Green Line by four miles to reach downtown Bothell. The project would also add several bus stops. Community Transit hopes to open it in 2030.

• $1.2 million to the Snohomish Conservation District, toward building the Snohomish County Natural Resources Center, an all-ages educational facility.

• $1 million to Snohomish County, toward expanding the on- and off-ramps along northbound state Route 525.

• $850,000 to the City of Monroe, toward designing above-grade separations at five in-town rail crossings (bridges over the rail line).

The House passed the appropriations act Jan. 22 with a vote of 341 to 88.