2022 adopted State Legislative Agenda approved 11-16-2021
10210 E Sprague Avenue Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509) 720-5000 Fax: (509) 720-5075 www.spokanevalley.org
2022 State Legislative Agenda Adopted November 16, 2021
FUNDING REQUEST
Pines Road Grade Separation Project
The City requests $19.3 million to construct the Pines Road Grade Separation project. Pines Road is one of
the regions key transportation corridors, carrying residential, commercial, and industrial traffic from Trent
Avenue (SR 290) across the Spokane River to I-90. This project will provide grade separation at a crossing
that 60 trains travel through each day, blocking traffic movements for nearly four hours. The project also
improves the intersection of two state highways, Pines Road (SR 27) and Trent Avenue (SR 290). Pines
Road is the primary access to almost 230 acres of undeveloped mixed-use, commercial and industrial land.
Total project cost is estimated at $29 million. Thus far, the City has secured $9.7 million and project design
and right-of-way acquisition are underway. The project will be shovel ready this year. The City requests
$19.3 million to construct this ready-to-go project.
Procurement Guidance and Assistance
The City requests that the state provide greater assistance and guidance to public agencies when bidding large
projects and selecting contractors to ensure that contractors have adequate experience to successfully complete
the project. Specifically, the City asks that the Legislature direct an update to guidelines provided to local
agencies on supplemental bidding criteria, provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions, and examine other
changes to state bidding laws so that public agencies can meet the twin goals of a quality project and low price.
Defend Local Control
A foundational belief for the Spokane Valley City Council and the citizens they represent is that the most
effective level of government is the one closest to the people. As such, the Council urges the Legislature to
respect local decision-making. Examples include providing local jurisdictions with control over land use issues
relating to density and intensity of use in urban and suburban areas.
Protect and Restore Local State-Shared Revenues
The City requests that the Legislature protect and restore local state-shared revenues to allow the City to deliver
vital services to its residents. These funds include the Liquor Excise Tax Account, Liquor Board Profits,
Municipal Criminal Justice Assistance Account, City-County Assistance Account, and Marijuana Revenues.
Amend State Law Regarding Municipal Utility Taxing Authority
The City requests that the Legislature clarify the conditions under which it is legal for a municipality to impose
utility taxes on revenues from a county wastewater treatment system.
Support Clarifying Legislation to Maintain Public Safety
The City requests that the Legislature consider amendments or clarifications to several law enforcement related
impacting the delivery of law enforcement services, including the critical community caretaking function law
enforcement performs to maintain public safety.
Amend Growth Management Act relating to addressing significant population fluctuations
The City of Spokane Valley will monitor proposals making changes to the Growth Management Act and
encourages the state to allocate adequate funding to cities to effectively implement planning directives from
the state.
The City supports AWC legislative agenda items that serve the best interests of Spokane Valley.