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FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012
Vol. CXXIII, No. 155
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Since 1890
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Tacoma awarded $500K energy efďŹ ciency grant
Posted online Weds., Aug. 8 The Washington State Department of Commerce recently announced more than $11 million in grants to create jobs and energy cost savings at 10 higher education and 20 local government facilities across the state. Grant recipients in Tacoma and Pierce County include Bates Technical College ($128,037), Clover Park Technical College ($180,000), and the City of Tacoma ($500,000). The 2012 Energy Efficiency Grant program's immediate goal is to stimulate Washington's economy by creating jobs. The long-term goal is to reduce the energy costs at the state's public education facilities. A total of $38 million was appropriated by the 2012 Legislature to Commerce for the grants, giving $20 million to higher education and $18 million to local governments, including a specific set aside of at least 10 percent for small cities or towns with populations of 5,000 or less. Funds will be awarded in two competitive rounds. An estimated 400 jobs will be created by this construction spending. The total cost for all the projects is almost $51 million, including more than $36 million in non-state funding. "Creating jobs in the construction industry is key to keeping our economic recovery going," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "These grants put people to work. Making our higher education facilities and local governments more energy efficient helps stretch their already tight budgets." "Promoting energy efficiency in the built environment is a pillar of our State Energy Strategy," said Commerce director Rogers Weed. "These grants will create jobs and support Washington's policy priorities for energy, economic vitality and climate stability." The grants are awarded through a competitive process, and must be used solely for energy and operational cost savings improvements. Projects for the first round of funding were selected from 36 grant applications requesting a total of more than $14 million. Applications for the second round of energy efficiency grants are due Dec. 31, 2012. More information is online at commerce.wa.gov/site/1403/ default.aspx.
Next Stop Lakewood
Testing begins for Sounder to South Tacoma, Lakewood Posted online Weds., Aug. 8 Photos Courtesy Sound Transit Sound Transit Wednesday began rail and signal testing on more than eight miles of new track for its Sounder commuter rail extension to Lakewood. Crews began running Sounder test trains up to 40 miles per hour from Freighthouse Square in Tacoma to the South Tacoma and Lakewood stations. Test train speeds will gradually increase to 60 miles per hour over several weeks as crews complete signal and crossing gate testing and monitor train operation on new rail lines. "The start of testing marks an exciting milestone in our progress to bring Sounder service further south," said Sound Transit Board Chair and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. "Soon, more Pierce County residents will be able to take advantage of the first-class service Sounder provides along a 73-mile rail corridor, and at a time when average weekday ridership on Sounder is up 20 percent -- a record for our commuter rail program." Test trains will operate as often as every 30 to 60 minutes between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will consist of a full Sound Transit seven-car set and locomotive. Freight and other rail traffic will continue operating on the rail line during and after testing.
A Sounder commuter rail train left Freighthouse Square in Tacoma (ABOVE) and arrived at Lakewood Station (TOP) Wednesday during testing for service scheduled to begin this fall. In preparation for the increased train activity, the agency launched a safety education program earlier this year to raise public awareness about being smart and safe around newly active tracks. Sound Transit outreach teams continue to attend community fairs, visit schools and businesses, and canvas door to door to remind people to be smart and safe around the tracks. "As a longtime resident of Lakewood, I am proud of the work Sound Transit is doing to bring Sounder service to Lakewood – and to make sure that people who drive, bike and walk near our tracks know more trains are coming," said Sound Transit Boardmember and Lakewood City Councilmember Mary Moss. "Trains are fast and quiet, so everyone needs to take extra caution to obey all warning signs, look both ways, and pay special attention when crossing the tracks." The agency plans to launch service in October, with the specific date to be determined as testing progress is made. More information on the Sounder extension to Lakewood is online at soundtransit.org/soundertolakewood.