Airway Heights applies for FEMA street repair grant

Like many cities in Washington state, Airway Heights is gearing up to complete some well-needed street repairs.

In May, staff had a preliminary meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel to review projects that could be paid for with emergency federal funds resulting from the storms and flooding that occurred during the winter. Public Works Director Kevin Anderson recently submitted an application for a FEMA grant that would help fund street repairs.

One of the damaged roads staff is looking to fix with grant funding is a portion of Craig Road, near Bergen Drive, up to Sixth Avenue, which Anderson said was in "pretty bad shape" and would cost the most to fix.

Another street north of U.S. Highway 2 that is in need of fixing is the section of 12th Avenue near Lawson Street.

Road projects south of Highway 2 include Lundstrom Street near Shorty Avenue, portions of 17th Avenue between Mullen and Market streets, and Lyons Street.

The estimated total cost of all five projects would be approximately $186,000 and the federal funds would cover 75 percent. The city would have to come up with a 25 percent match. Anderson said there is a chance staff could receive funds from the Washington State Department of Transportation that would cover 12.5 percent of the match.

Once FEMA approves the grant application, Anderson would forward the proposal to City Council.

During this time, staff will begin filling potholes throughout the city. Anderson explained that the delay in completing the street repairs was because they spent most of their efforts working to resolve the city's water contamination issue.

"Now that we've got our feet under us, we can focus on making permanent pothole repairs," Anderson said.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].