Date:  Monday, April 27, 2009

Contact: Chris Tams, WSDOT Columbia Gorge Project Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (toll-free, in Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

GOLDENDALE – Gov. Gregoire and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) advertised a project to preserve US 97 in Klickitat County to contractors today as Washington State continues utilizing federal stimulus funds to deliver projects and support local jobs.

The $3.8 million US 97 – Centerville Road to Bickleton Road and Satus Pass paving project is funded entirely by the federal 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The project is expected to support an estimated 35 jobs.

“The positive impact of this project will be seen not only in the jobs it supports but also in the long-term improvement of highways that are vital to the economic health of our state,” said Paula Hammond, Transportation Secretary. “Paving US 97 will ensure the continued safety and viability of this crucial commercial route, and create employment opportunities in local communities.”

WSDOT plans to award the construction contract for this project by mid-May. Construction will begin in June and be complete by September.

Crews will repave nearly 12 miles of US 97 through Goldendale and over Satus Pass. Satus Pass carries an average of 3,900 vehicles per day, providing an essential link between central and southwest Washington. Resurfacing the roadway will repair the existing pavement and extend the life of the roadway, in addition to providing a smoother and safer ride for motorists.

For more information about the US 97 - Centerville Road to Bickleton Road and Satus Pass paving project, please visit the project Web page at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/PavementRehab/US97CentervilleToBickleton/.

Washington State is administering the Recovery Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire has created a new website, www.recovery.wa.gov, enabling every Washingtonian to see where their tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden, a proven and aggressive Inspector General, to oversee all state’s recovery efforts and root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, including pictures, videos, news and blogs go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news. Get real time weather, traffic, construction alerts, pass conditions, ferry, railroad, and airline information at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or dial 5-1-1. TTY users - call 1-800-833-6388.

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