OLYMPIA, Wash. - Thurston County and its communities will see transportation improvements ranging from trail preservation to road reconstruction, supported by more than $19 million in funding allocated by Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC).

TRPC announced the awards today. The funding comes from four Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grant programs, as well as $550,000 in non-federal funding. 

TRPC received 16 project proposals and will award full or partial funding to 14 projects. These projects will begin between 2025 and 2030.

Carbon Reduction Program

FHWA’s Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) supports projects that reduce carbon emissions from transportation. TRPC has awarded just over $1.7 million to projects under this program.

One selected project is:

• Chehalis Western Trail Preservation: $1.6 million awarded to Thurston County to repave portions of the trail near Chambers Lake and in a rural area north of Olympia.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

FHWA’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Grants support projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. TRPC has awarded $5 million to projects under this program. 

One selected project is:

• Deschutes Valley Trail Construction: $2.5 million awarded to the City of Tumwater to construct a paved walking and biking trail connecting the Tumwater Valley Golf Course to T Street. 

Surface Transportation Block Grant

FHWA’s Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program supports projects that improve and maintain transportation infrastructure. TRPC has awarded $10 million to projects under this program. 

Selected projects include:

• Martin Way Corridor Study: $2.5 million awarded to the City of Olympia to design upgrades along Martin Way between Sawyer Street and College Street, including roundabouts, new sidewalks, safer crosswalks, and enhanced bike lanes.
• Old Pacific Highway and Kuhlman Road Intersection Improvements: $1.6 million awarded to Thurston County to acquire right-of-way and begin construction on a roundabout.
• Rhoton Road NW Reconstruction: $1.7 million awarded to the City of Yelm to begin road improvements, add sidewalks on its west side, and add a shared use path on its east side. This will support traffic connecting Yelm’s commercial areas to the future extension of the State Route 510 Alternate Loop.  

Transportation Alternatives

FHWA’s Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant program supports projects that enhance transportation networks and improve community quality of life. TRPC has awarded just over $2.4 million to projects under this program. 

One selected project is:

• Walk N Roll: $1.6 million awarded to Intercity Transit to continue its traffic safety and youth bicycle education programming from 2027–30. 

Rural Community Support Program

TRPC, in partnership with Thurston County, established the Rural Community Support Program (RCSP) to support small transportation projects that are impactful for the region’s rural communities. Under this program, TRPC has awarded $550,000 to the Town of Bucoda, the City of Rainier, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. 

Project Selection

As the Thurston region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), TRPC has the responsibility to program federal funding to transportation projects, programs, and services that support local communities. This work supports TRPC’s coordinated and comprehensive approach to regional transportation planning. 

TRPC’s Transportation Policy Board (TPB) reviews grant proposals and makes recommendations to the Council. Projects were selected for funding based on alignment with regional transportation priorities, such as safety, sustainability, and equitable outcomes for populations that experience barriers to the transportation system. 

A full list of all awarded projects, including descriptions of their proposed work, is available on TRPC’s website.