February 7, 2025City Secures $5 Million RAISE Grant for Eastrail
The City of Woodinville is proud to announce it has been awarded a $5 million RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) federal grant, accelerating the Eastrail Trail project by at least a decade. This transformative funding will allow critical work to begin on the 1.7-mile Eastrail corridor through downtown Woodinville well ahead of its previously scheduled timeline.
The $5 million RAISE grant will fund the planning, public engagement, environmental review, permitting, and design phases of the project. The estimated total project cost is $7.1 million. The Eastrail Trail project is a critical part of the city's future and will enhance transportation options through the heart of Woodinville, creating a safer, more sustainable corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users. The funding will help move the project closer to reality, transforming it from a long-term vision into a tangible asset within the next decade. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for the City to secure construction funding earlier than expected.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) administers the RAISE program, supporting infrastructure projects that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and equity. The program is part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure across the nation. The City of Woodinville first applied for the RAISE grant in 2023, and while the application scored highly, it was not initially selected. However, after reapplying in 2024, Woodinville received the full funding requested.
The Woodinville City Council approved the execution of the grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) during their January 7 (2025) meeting. The City applauds its state and federal partners for their support in securing this vital funding.
Next Steps:
The next phase of the project will focus on developing a detailed scope of work. The City will initiate a competitive selection process to bring on a design consultant team, which may include engineers, architects, artists, and other specialists. This team will work to refine the project’s timeline, scope, and design, with significant public engagement planned throughout the process.
The planning phase of the Eastrail Trail project is expected to take approximately two to three years. Once the planning is complete, the City will move forward with securing additional funding for the construction phase, with the goal of completing the corridor within the next decade.
June 27, 2024
Congresswoman DelBene Statement on Woodinville's RAISE Grant Award
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene wrote:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman DelBene (WA-01) announced that our region will receive $30 million in federal grant funding for two Eastrail expansion projects in King County. These projects include $25 million for King County to complete the final gap in the southern portion of the Eastrail, and $5 million for the City of Woodinville to complete planning to expand the Eastrail through the City.
“I’m thrilled to see $30 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law being invested into transportation projects that will improve our communities,” said DelBene. “This RAISE Grant funding will help move these projects forward, so that residents have safe, accessible paths for commuting, recreation, and transportation. I look forward to the transformative impact these projects will have.”
Closing the Eastrail I-90 gap will better connect King County, providing a continuous 42-mile pathway from Renton to Snohomish. This project will retrofit the I-90 steel bridge and construct nearly 2 miles of paved trail, that will include a seamless link to the Mountain to Sound Greenway Trail. It will improve accessibility for non-motorized users, reduce carbon emissions by offering an alternative to single-occupancy vehicles, and bolster local economies through enhanced recreational infrastructure.
The Woodinville section of the Eastrail is a critical link for communities in East King and Snohomish Counties, connecting Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Snohomish, and Redmond. This multi-use trail and linear park project will span 1.7 miles, enhancing regional connectivity and promoting non-motorized transportation. Once completed, it will integrate seamlessly with 175 miles of existing regional trails, facilitating access to the heart of Woodinville and supporting anticipated growth in the region.
“Our congressional delegation, including Congresswoman DelBene, has delivered a victory for regional trails, climate, mobility, and opportunity,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The Biden administration appreciates that investing in regional trails creates and connects sustainable, healthy communities with new access to high-capacity transit – and that’s what we will achieve with the RAISE Grant.”
“This exceptional trail requires exceptional partnership and community support to complete. RAISE funding for two Eastrail projects reflects the partnerships, enthusiasm, and support that we have been honored to help build,” said Eastrail Partners Executive Director Katherine Hollis. “Thank you to Congresswoman DelBene for getting out on the Eastrail with us and her unwavering support for the Eastrail effort.”
“We are beyond grateful to Congresswoman DelBene, Senator Murray, and our entire Congressional delegation for their support for this vision and their continued leadership to help secure a $5 million RAISE grant for Woodinville,” said Woodinville Mayor Mike Millman. “This grant supercharges the amazing work going on in downtown Woodinville. It will allow our city to move forward with a large multi-modal trail that will connect Woodinville residents and visitors to support a thriving local economy, provide for non-motorized and environmentally friendly transportation options to the entire region, and create much-needed recreational opportunities for our community. It will also build upon ongoing downtown traffic relief efforts such as the trestle widening project and new grid roads.”
The projects are being awarded Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Discretionary (RAISE) Grants, which invest in critical road, rail, transit, and port projects across the country, and are funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law.