Legislature passes supplemental capital budget, includes funding for Riverwalk Trail extension
Before adjournment on Tuesday, the Washington State Legislature passed a strong, bipartisan supplemental capital budget that included $500,000 to extend the Riverwalk Trail.
The funding will go toward design and construction of a 12-foot-wide path through the City of Puyallup's recently acquired Van Lierop property.
Lawmakers from the 25th Legislative District say the extension is an important piece in the “Sound to Foothills Trail” vision for Pierce County that will be utilized by many citizens.
“As an avid user of the Foothills Trail, I was delighted to support this expansion of the trail network that is connecting so much of Pierce County,” said Sen. Bruce Dammeier, R-Puyallup. “One stretch at a time, we are creating a long-distance trail network by knitting together the Foothills Trail, the Riverwalk Trail and the Sumner Link Trail. This short segment will connect 38 continuous miles – and it will be a most important addition.”
“Thousands of families use the Riverwalk and Foothills Trail for walking, jogging, and biking,” said Rep. Hans Zeiger, R-Puyallup. “The completion of this critical linkage on the trail would be a great addition to the recent groundbreaking for the city of Puyallup's Van Lierop Park and the dedication of the nonprofit Step by Step's new location at the Van Lierop Farm.”
“Our community enjoys the Foothills Trail, the Puyallup Riverwalk Trail and the Sumner Link Trail,” said Rep. Melanie Stambaugh, R-Puyallup. “Securing funding for the Riverwalk Trail Phase VI expansion will allow us to be one step closer to connecting all of the trails in Pierce County, providing options to commute, be active, and enjoy our beautiful outdoor surroundings.”
The Riverwalk will extend into the 31st District represented by Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn.
“I am so excited that funding for Phase IV of the Riverwalk Trail was included in the 2016 supplemental capital budget. Connecting the Riverwalk Trail to the Foothills Trail will allow users to walk, jog, or bike to Sumner, Buckley, and Mt. Rainier National Park. I look forward to getting out and enjoying the full trail with my family when it's completed!” Stokesbary said.
The supplemental capital budget, House Bill 2380, passed the House by a vote of 86-9 and the Senate 38-5. It awaits the governor's signature.
PHOTO: Map of Riverwalk Trail Phase VI.
