The Washington County Board of Commissioners recently put their financial weight behind the county's transportation future through the adoption of the Major Streets Transportation Improvement Program (MSTIP) 3f, endorsing a sizable $250 million funding allocation. This transport-centric financial package focuses on creating a more connected, safe, and equitable network that caters to a variety of travelers. The decision made headlines after the Board's June 4 meeting aimed at bolstering the infrastructure that shapes daily commutes and the county's commercial vigor.
The Board's dedication doesn't start here, having previously approved in April, the issuance of $150 million in bonds to bridge the funding gaps caused by rising costs, alterations in project scope, and unforeseen expenses. As stated by Kathryn Harrington, Chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, in an announcement reported by Washington County's official website, “MSTIP 3f is a $250 million investment in meeting the transportation needs across Washington County communities in partnership with city leaders.” Harrington went on to add, “Combined with our recent $150 million bonding initiative, this Board is dedicating $400 million to advance transportation solutions here in Washington County.”
A sharp focus on all-inclusive travel improvements is apparent in the breakdown of MSTIP 3f financing. As per the project details, $195 million is earmarked for 13 capital projects scattered across the four Commissioner Districts. This injection of funds aims to better the travel experience of bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, transit passengers, and the conveyance of goods alike. A further $30 million is allocated for the Large Project Match Fund, a strategic move expected to draw more state or federal funds into Washington County by offering up match funding for larger-scale projects. Additionally, $13 million is slated for the MSTIP Opportunity Fund, designed to attract and match competitive grant monies, followed by $10 million dedicated to the essential replacement of rural bridges. Lastly, the advancement of intelligent transportation systems, or ITS, will receive a $2 million boost to enhance the efficiency and safety of the county's existing road network.
Before reaching the point of greenlighting the MSTIP 3f allocation, the Washington County Board ensured that public input was not only sought but integrated. More than 1,200 public comments were gathered from online open houses, alongside feedback from focus groups, listening sessions, and up-close interactions at local community events. In a joint effort, staff members from various city departments within Washington County pooled this information to recommend a project list. The Washington County Coordinating Committee, a collective of elected representatives from within the county's cities, used these recommendations to guide the Board toward their final approval, ultimately shaping the transport landscape according to community sentiment.
Long-standing support for such endeavors is not new to the region with MSTIP initiatives being funded by local property taxes since 1986. Over the course of its existence, the MSTIP program has funneled in excess of $1.35 billion into over 160 transportation improvement projects. The recent MSTIP 3f joins this legacy, promising to steer Washington County toward a polished transport infrastructure promising expanded accessibility and safety, reflective of the diverse needs of its residents and the pulse of its economy.
