City HallThursday, November 5
Spokane and Spokane County seek $1.4 million to improve evacuation routes in the north
The Daily Spokane Valley team
If you live in Indian Trail or Five Mile, the city and county want better ways out for the next emergency. Spokane and Spokane County applied together for a PROTECT grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which funds projects that help roads stand up to natural disasters. If the full award is approved, they'd get $1.4 million.
$1.4 millionthe city and county would get if the full award is approved
Grant recipients are to be announced by the end of the year.
Sources: The Spokesman-Review, KXLY.com
Mayor Lisa Brown said the request focused on problem areas that became clear during emergencies. County commission chair Mary Brooks said, "During the Spokane Complex Fires, we saw firsthand how critical clear and timely information is for people evacuating."
The grant would pay for four pieces of work
| Piece | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Vulnerability assessment |
| Routes | Identify emergency transportation routes |
| Communication | Evacuation transportation communication plan |
| Design | Begin design for certain projects |
Sources: The Spokesman-Review, NonStop Local KHQ, KXLY.com
- Neighborhoods off Route 291: two main evacuation roads
- During the fires: south route blocked, leaving one longer way out
- Terrain: Spokane River, steep hills, landfill, scattered development
- Grant would also fund study beyond Indian Trail and Five Mile
Sources: The Spokesman-Review, NonStop Local KHQ, KXLY.com