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Milestones

On August 20, 2001 a group of public and private interests met to chart a new comprehensive strategy designed to advance Walla Walla Valley's long sought after goal of four-laning U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank, Washington to Walla Walla, Washington. As a result of this meeting, the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition was formed.

The Coalition's first action was to retain the services of Ball Janik to work with our congressional delegation as critical transportation authorization and appropriation bills make there way through congress. In addition, Ball Janik coordinates coalition member visitations to Washington, DC to meet with congressional members and key congressional committee staff.

The coalition also made a commitment to develop comprehensive marketing materials to articulate the safety and economic development justification for four-laning U.S. Highway 12. This website is a product of the coalition's marketing efforts. Below in chronological order, is a description of some of the coalition's efforts and accomplishments.

Milestone - May 1, 2003

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Officials Tour Project Site.

Left to Right:

  • Moe Davari, WSDOT Project Engineer
  • Michael Kulback, Federal Highway Administration Regional Engineer
  • Don Whitehouse, WSDOT South Central Regional Administrator
  • Jason Smith, WSDOT Assistant Environmental Program Manager
  • Lieutenant Colonel Edward Kertis, Army Corp of Engineers Commander Walla Walla District
  • Daniel Mathis, Federal Highway Administration Division Administrator
  • Jim Kuntz, Port of Walla Walla, Executive Director

Milestone - May 9, 2003

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin Editorial:

U.S. Highway 12 Coalition's hard work pays off

There is reason to be optimistic U.S. Highway 12 will be four lanes from Walla Walla to the Snake River bridge in the not-too-distant future.

By the Editorial Board of the Union-Bulletin

The U.S. Highway 12 Coalition's success has come from hard work, not luck. And its members have the bags under their eyes to prove it.

Coalition members, led by Port of Walla Walla officials, have tirelessly lobbied Congress and the state Legislature for money to expand Highway 12 to four lanes between Burbank and Walla Walla. Coalition members have done their homework, planned well and were prepared to seize the opportunity when the time came. It came when the Legislature cobbled together a seven-year plan for state road improvements.

Funding was secured to expand the highway to four lanes from the Wallula Junction to Burbank. Southeastern Washington will get more than its fair share of money from the nickel-a-gallon gas tax recently approved by the Legislature. (Shhh, don't spread it around, the folks west of the Cascades might make a grab for our asphalt.)

The gas-tax hike will provide $32.5 million over seven years. In addition, $4.4 million has been secured from the federal government.

Money was also obtained to plan for expansion of the highway all the way to Walla Walla.

And, of course, lobbying continues for federal and state money for the 30 or so miles of pavement to Walla Walla. The Coalition has a lot more work ahead of it.

But the group has already made progress. It has convinced U.S. Sens. Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell and U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt that the highway improvements are necessary.

There is reason to be optimistic Highway 12 will be four lanes from Walla Walla to the Snake River bridge in the not-too-distant future.

Coalition members deserve our praise for their vision for the future and getting the project this far.

Milestone - May 15 & 16, 2003

Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Jim Kuntz travels to Washington, DC.

Meetings held with:

  • Emily Zielske, Office of Senator Maria Cantwell
  • Dale Learn, Office of Senator Patty Murray
  • Darin Beffa, Office of Congressman George Nethercutt
  • Susan McColley, Congressional Affairs Office, U.S. Department of Transportation

Milestone - May 19, 2003

Major Milestone - State of Washington Transportation Revenue Package Includes $35.5 Million for U.S. Highway 12

Governor Gary Locke signs the transportation revenue package. U.S. Highway 12 to receive $32.5 million over a seven-year period, which will provide the needed financing to four-lane U.S. Highway 12 from the Snake River Bridge in Burbank to the Wallula Junction. In addition $3 million has been allocated to plan where the four-lane corridor will be located from the Wallula Junction to the City of Walla Walla. Senator Mike Hewitt and Representatives Bill Grant and Dave Mastin deserve credit for making sure U.S. Highway 12 was included in the state transportation revenue package. Thank you!


Gary Locke

Mike Hewitt

Bill Grant

Dave Mastin

Milestone - August 27-31, 2003

U.S. Highway 12 Coalition attends Walla Walla Fair & Fontier Days with an informational booth highlighting the coalition's efforts. During the fair over 300 citizens signed the coalition's petition supporting the four-laning of U.S. Highway 12. As of August 31, 2003 the coalition has gathered a total of 4,007 citizen signatures and 182 business signatures.

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Milestone - September 2, 3 & 4, 2003

Walla Walla Delegation Travels to Washington, DC

  • Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Mayor
  • Ken Jantz, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
  • Greg Tompkins, Walla Walla County Commissioner
  • Jim Kuntz, Port of Walla Walla, Executive Director
  • Ken Jantz, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner
  • Greg tompkins, Walla Walla County Commissioner
  • Jerry Cummins, City of Walla Walla Mayor

Meeting held with:

  • Senator Patty Murray
  • Congressman George Nethercutt
  • Senator Maria Cantwell
  • Megan Lawrence, Office of Congressman Nethercutt
  • Ken Van Poole, Office of Congressman Nethercutt
  • Rob Neal, Office of Congressman Nethercutt
  • Dale Learn, Office of Senator Patty Murray

Milestone - September 24, 2003

Washington State Transportation Commission Holds Meeting In Walla Walla

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U.S. Highway 12 Coalition members update Transportation Commission on efforts to four-lane U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to Walla Walla.

Milestone - October 9 & 10, 2003

Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Jim Kuntz travels to Washington, DC.

Meetings held with:

  • Emily Zielske, Beth Stein and Matt McCarthy, office of Senator Maria Cantwell
  • Dale Learn, office of Senator Patty Murray
  • Evan Schatz, office of Congressman Larsen
  • Megan Lawrence, office of Congressman Nethercutt
  • Joel Rubin, office of Congressman Baird

Milestone - October 21, 2003

Washington State Legislative Transportation Committee visits Walla Walla. Port Commissioner Dr. Fred Bennett thanks the transportation committee for its support for four-laning U.S. Highway 12. In May 2003, the state legislature approved $32.5 million to four-lane U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to Wallula Junction.
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