WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 7, 2018) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced the approval of a $9 million TIGER grant through the Department of Transportation (DOT) for Spokane Valley’s Barker Road/Burlington Northern Sante Fe Grade Separation project. In October, Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Senator Patty Murray sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao advocating for the approval of grant funding for the project. In the letter they say, “The project would improve the safety and efficiency of freight and rail movement in Spokane Valley, increase access for emergency responders, residents, and businesses, and benefit the regional and national economy. In addition, it would facilitate the development of 600 acres of industrial, mixed use, and commercial land which is currently available but difficult to access due to the combination of rail and truck traffic.”
 
“This is great news for Spokane Valley and I was proud to join in advocating on their behalf,” said McMorris Rodgers. “The city led the way in securing 50 percent of the project’s funding through local and state sources, and this federal grant will green light this project to move forward. Thank you to the Department of Transportation for allocating this funding which will help Spokane Valley create economic growth in Eastern Washington.”
 
“The $9 million dollar TIGER grant for the Barker Road rail crossing is critical to the development of the additional 565 acres of Spokane Valley’s northeast industrial area,”added Spokane Valley Mayor Rod Higgins. “This grant completes funding for the first step in bridging BNSF crossings that enhance connections to the north side of our city. With the Barker Road project underway, we will continue to attract clients like Katera and all the support businesses they bring.”
 
NOTE: The grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program. To read the Congresswoman’s full TIGER grant letter in support of the project visit her website here.