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Dave Gossett's eNews
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
Office: 8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
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Groundbreaking for Mountlake Terrace Freeway Station
Thursday, May 14th, ground was broken for the construction of the Mountlake Terrace Freeway Station. The $40.9 million station's funding includes Sound Transit dollars, federal stimulus money, and a regional mobility grant.
"This is a very important day for transit and Mountlake Terrace," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "This project was promised as part of the original Sound Transit package. That promise is being kept today."
The new station will be located in the center of I-5 which will enable buses to pick up and drop off commuters inside the freeway median. Located at 236th Street SW, the project will include a pedestrian bridge connecting the new bus platforms with Community Transit's new Mountlake Terrace Transit Center and park-and-ride garage. The project was planned in partnership with the City of Mountlake Terrace and Community Transit. Construction will be managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
"Commuter buses currently have to travel on city streets, which significantly increases the length of time that the trip takes," noted Gossett. "This direct access from the freeway will make the service much more efficient."
Once the Mountlake Terrace Freeway Station is complete, Sound Transit will add direct bus service to Mountlake Terrace. This increased service is an important element for dealing with growth and congestion.
"Improving transit opportunities is a key part of solving our congestion problem," said Gossett. "At the same time, this project will provide needed jobs and economic stimulus."
The project is scheduled to open 2011.
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Council Promotes Energy Efficiency
Snohomish County has received $4.8 million from the federal government's stimulus package through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The goal of the program is to jump start our economy, create and save jobs, and make strategic investments that will have long term benefits.
"Snohomish County has a great opportunity with these funds," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "We can make important investments which will create jobs and over the long term save energy and money."
On May 13 the Snohomish County Council passed a motion stating its priorities for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The Council is scheduled to meet with the County Executive later this month to work on a common set of priorities for the application which is due June 25.
The Council resolution states that the focus for projects will be on those that provide long term benefits, create jobs, and provide measurable reductions in the county's energy usage and level of CO2 emissions. It also identifies several specific types of projects which would achieve these goals.
"We are looking at ways to use solar power in county buildings," said Gossett. "By taking county buildings off the power grid, we reduce environmental impacts and increase savings for taxpayers on future electric bills."
Other high priorities for the Council include:
- Establishing a revolving loan fund so that cities can apply for loans for energy efficient projects that otherwise could not be funded.
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- Improvements to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting systems that increase energy efficiency.
- Funding to continue or expand the county's successful program to encourage people to use transit.
- Use of lighting technology (LED lighting) which will reduce energy costs in county traffic and street lights.
- Use of LED lighting at the Fairgrounds.
"Through efforts like the Green Ribbon Task Force and initiatives to create a sustainable future Snohomish County has demonstrated real leadership in the area of conservation and energy efficiencies," said Gossett. "We are a regional leader and well positioned to utilize this grant funding."
The Council will meet with the Executive to make final decisions on the specific projects next week.
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