City plans public hearing on six-year street plan

Each year the City of Ritzville establishes a Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan in compliance with Washington Department of Transportation requirements.

A public hearing on the plan is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 7:10 p.m. during the next Ritzville City Council meeting.

A public hearing regarding the plan is an annual requirement of the process. Following the hearing, the council will be asked to approve the plan, which is then forwarded to the state.

The state’s Transportation Improvement Board then reviews the plan. The TIB was created by the Washington State Legislature, according to its website, “to foster state investment in quality local transportation projects.” The TIB provides millions of dollars to cities and towns for road improvements, new construction and reconstruction projects.

The city’s plan will include projects the city council has identified as priorities. Reconstruction of West First Avenue has long been on the list. In order to receive TIB funds for a street project, it must be included in the six-year plan.