Public invited to provide input for paths in the lower Yakima Valley

TOPPENISH – The public is invited to participate in an online survey to provide input on a plan to create paths in the lower Yakima Valley called the Heritage Connectivity Trails (HCT). Survey results will help Washington State Department of Transportation and project stakeholders design paths where they are needed most.

Heritage Connectivity Trails online survey

When: Sept. 28 to Oct. 31, 2023

Where: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GC9CRY2

Details: This brief survey is gathering information to determine which areas are needed most to create walking paths.

In partnership with the Yakama Nation, WSDOT was awarded a $1 million Federal RAISE grant for the first phase of the HCT project. Grant money will be used to complete a feasibility study, preliminary designs and environmental review for paths between Union Gap and Toppenish.

The overall HCT project develops over 150 miles of paths from Union Gap to White Swan to Mabton. This project is important because it provides safer alternatives for travelers along US 97, which has higher pedestrian fatality rates in the state of Washington, disproportionately affecting Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

166,800 electric vehicle

registrations in Washington in 2023, up from 114,600 in 2022.

87 wetland compensation sites

actively monitored on 918 acres in 2023.

25,000 safe animal crossings

in the Snoqualmie Pass East Project area since 2014.