TRPC seeks public input on 2026 transportation grant projects 

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is calling on people to review and comment on 21 transportation project proposals submitted for its 2026 Federal Transportation Funding Call for Projects.  

The proposals seek millions of dollars in federal transportation dollars through three funding sources: Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Rural Community Support Program (RCSP). Public feedback will help inform funding recommendations before final decisions are made.  

Residents can explore each proposal through TRPC’s interactive Story Map, which provides project summaries and links to sponsors’ full applications. A short online survey is available at the end of the Story Map to collect public input.  

Comments and survey responses must be submitted by 6 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2026. Written comments may also be emailed to Paul Brewster, TRPC planning manager, at brewsterp@trpc.org.  

Thurston region projects 

The 21 proposals represent a wide range of transportation improvements, including bridge replacements, intersection upgrades, trail expansions, transit enhancements, pedestrian safety projects and regional planning initiatives.  

Among the largest requests is Thurston County’s Meridian Road/SE Mullen Road SE Intersection Improvements Project, which is seeking $5.164 million in STBG funding.  

This project aims to address the county’s highest-crash intersection. Thurston County is seeking money to design a new roundabout at the Meridian Road SE and Mullen Road SE intersection to improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility.  

The City of Olympia is also requesting a combined $3.195 million in STBG and CMAQ funding for its Capitol Corridor Phase 2 project proposal.  

The funding for the project would be used to reconfigure Capitol Way between 25th Avenue SE and Union Avenue SE in order to improve safety, reduce speeding, and enhance walking, biking, and transit access.

Another major proposal is the Deschutes Valley Trail Segment A2 from the City of Tumwater, which is requesting $3.2 million.  

The project involves constructing Segment A2 of the Deschutes Valley Trail, a 10-foot-wide paved multi-use trail connecting Brewery Park to E Street. The project’s goal is to link existing and planned trail segments, providing a safer and more accessible route between parks and neighboring communities.  

Intercity Transit has submitted several proposals, including Smart Corridors Cloud-Based Transit Signal Priority Implementations, a West Olympia Transit Center Study, the Walk N Roll Program, and contingency funding for Replacement Dial-A-Lift Vehicles. 

Other proposals include roadway improvements in Yelm, Lacey and Thurston County,  planning studies, and bicycle and trail projects led by TRPC.  

Rural, community projects 

Rural communities are also seeking funding for local transportation improvements.  

Thurston County has submitted a $3.315 million request to replace Tilley Road Bridge.  

The project calls for the replacement of the aging bridge over Beaver Creek with a new concrete bridge to improve safety and accommodate future traffic demands. 

Other applications for RCSP grants include projects from Nisqually Indian Tribe, Bucoda, Rainier and Tenino, which range from road preservation and stormwater improvements to pedestrian safety enhancements, roundabout planning and sidewalk construction.  

Funding available 

TPRC estimates about $17.24 million will be available across the three federal funding programs: 

• CMAQ: approximately $5 million for projects to be obligated during federal fiscal years 2028-30.  

• STBG: approximately $11 million for projects scheduled for obligation during fiscal years 2030-32.  

• RCSP: approximately $1.24 million available for projects between fiscal years 2027-31.  

The TRPC will review community feedback as part of its evaluation process before recommending projects for federal funding.