June 3, 2015 The Honorable Anthony R. Foxx Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE , DC 20590

Re: Cascade Bicycle Club Letter of Support for City of Mountlake Terrace TIGER 2015 Grant Application

Dear Secretary Foxx:

I am writing on behalf of the Cascade Bicycle Club and our nearly 16,000 members in support of the TIGER 2015 program grant application submitted by the City of Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Cascade’s mission is to “improve lives through bicycling”. This grant will complete a critical regional transportation project that would create new transit links, create safe, comfortable bike/ped connections and boost economic development. Our organization is proud to join with dozens of state and regional leaders in endorsing the City’s application.

Cascade has worked hard to make biking to transit safe and convenient. Being able to bike to transit makes it easier for people to ride. The City’s TIGER grant application proposes the final funding needed to complete a Main Street Revitalization Project, a multimodal project that will enhance the City’s Town Center arterials by providing improved vehicle access, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, ADA access, and a safe walkable urban environment. The improved infrastructure is vital to the development of mixed use Transit Oriented Development in the Town Center District and will improve connectivity to and from the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center and the Interstate 5 corridor. The Main Street Revitalization project is an essential component of the City’s economic development and housing objectives.

The City's goals for this project include the creation of 800 mixed-use multi-family housing units, and better transportation connectivity and efficiency.

The City will have design plans complete by the end of this year and anticipates completion of right-of-way acquisition by 2017. The City's grant application is for $10,000,000. When combined with local revenues from the City of $4,380,675, and existing funding already secured for the project of $3,644,494, the total work of $18,025,169 can be immediately bid, putting the money to work quickly. The City has used 100% of its legal authority to fund this project and needs additional investment from the TIGER Program to complete the project.

I urge your strong consideration of the City’s TIGER Program grant to complete the Main Street Revitalization Project. Projects such as this one clearly represent the vision that Snohomish County has for future development. This kind of sustainable development is key to Snohomish County continuing to be successful community for our citizens to live and work in.

If you have any additional questions do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or ​ 206.300.5932.

Improving Lives Through Bicycling 7787 62nd Avenue NE WA, 98115-8155 • P (206) 522-3222 • F (206) 522-2407 • www.cascade.org • [email protected]

Sincerely,

Jeff Aken Policy Director, Cascade Bicycle Club

CC:

Senator Senator Governor Congressman Jim McDermott Mayor Edward B. Murray, Seattle

Improving Lives Through Bicycling 7787 62nd Avenue NE Seattle WA, 98115-8155 • P (206) 522-3222 • F (206) 522-2407 • www.cascade.org • [email protected]