Spokane City Council eyes stricter oversight for rising street project costs
The Spokane City Council is reviewing a proposal to expand oversight for street projects. Councilmember Michael Cathcart introduced an ordinance that would require stricter approval for major changes to arterial roads. The move follows a sharp rise in costs for one key project in the city. The cost of rebuilding Spokane Falls Boulevard has jumped by nearly 80% in three years. In 2019, the project was estimated at $8.1 million, but the latest projection stands at $14.15 million. This increase means the project now meets the threshold for 'significant modification' under the proposed rules.
The city’s 2026-2031 street plan does not include lane or travel changes for the boulevard. However, the cost rise alone—79.56% since 2023—triggers the need for additional scrutiny. The ordinance would require the Transportation Commission and city council to approve any project that alters lane counts, changes travel direction, or sees costs rise by over 50% in a single year.
Funding for the project would come largely from street capital reserves. Before any significant modifications gain approval, a public hearing must be held under the proposed regulations. The ordinance aims to ensure greater transparency and control over major street projects. If passed, it would apply to Spokane Falls Boulevard and similar cases where costs or designs shift substantially. The council will now debate the measure before deciding on its adoption.
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