Twelve Neighborhood Street Fund (NSF) large projects were selected for funding in 2013, thanks to the voter-approved Bridging the Gap (BTG) transportation levy. This was the third round of funding provided by BTG and approximately $4.5 million to community-based projects on a three-year cycle, was bolstered by an additional $1 million provided by the Mayor and City Council as part of the savings from the Spokane Street Viaduct Project, bringing the total funding available for this third and final round to $5.5 million. In addition, $2.9 million from the School Zone Camera Enforcement Program will be used to fund four NSF projects near schools. Projects were selected in 2013 will be designed in 2014 and constructed in 2015.
There are 12 projects in the NSF Program all will be completed by the end of 2015. Two projects, the West Duwamish Trail extension and one segment of Pioneer Square ADA improvements, are ahead of schedule and construction will begin in 2014.
Projects to be constructed in 2015:
- Columbia City Sidewalk Repair: Construction begins in the first quarter of 2015
- Georgetown Festival Street: Construction begins in the second quarter of 2015
- Pedestrian Improvements (5 locations throughout Seattle): Construction begins in first quarter of 2015
- Historic District ADA Improvements: Ongoing through 2015. Some additional work may continue in to 2016 if grant funding is received.
- Rainier Beach pedestrian improvements: Construction begins in the fourth quarter of 2015
- Greenwood Ave N sidewalks: Construction begins in the second quarter of 2015
- Rainier Ave S & S Dearborn Street pedestrian improvements: Construction begins in the second quarter of 2015
Each of these projects was submitted by community members to their District Councils for review and selection based on their importance to the community. Projects were then forwarded to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for some initial design work and cost estimating. Each project is then reviewed and evaluated by BTG Oversight Committee members and they then made a recommendation to the Mayor and Council. The full BTG Oversight committee bases their decision on the following factors: geographic mix, “bang for the buck,” quality of life enhancement, safety considerations and, when appropriate, Pedestrian Master Plan and Bicycle Master Plan criteria.
To learn more about the Neighborhood Street Fund Large Project program and details about the projects selected, please visit their website.