Projects & Plans

A group of people wait at a bus stop on the sidewalk next to a road. A blue and white bus with route number 29A and a sign reading "East 17th" approaches the stop. As part of the 2023 LEIA Program, new eco-friendly buses are being introduced. Trees and houses are visible in the background on a cloudy day.

2023 LEIA Program

Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods Grant Program

Spokane Transit Authority is partnering with the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley to provide multimodal transportation improvements along transit Route 94 Millwood/East Central.

The Liberty to Edgecliff Improvements for Accessibility (LEIA) program will focus on reconnecting communities along Interstate 90 disproportionately burdened by transportation infrastructure. The project generally runs along 5th and 8th Avenues between Spokane’s Liberty Park and Spokane Valley’s Edgecliff Park.

100% Grant Funding Request (No Local Match Required)

A group of people wait at a bus stop on the sidewalk next to a road. A blue and white bus with route number 29A and a sign reading "East 17th" approaches the stop. As part of the 2023 LEIA Program, new eco-friendly buses are being introduced. Trees and houses are visible in the background on a cloudy day.

Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods Grant Program

Spokane Transit Authority is partnering with the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley to provide multimodal transportation improvements along transit Route 94 Millwood/East Central.

The Liberty to Edgecliff Improvements for Accessibility (LEIA) program will focus on reconnecting communities along Interstate 90 disproportionately burdened by transportation infrastructure. The project generally runs along 5th and 8th Avenues between Spokane’s Liberty Park and Spokane Valley’s Edgecliff Park.

100% Grant Funding Request (No Local Match Required)

Program Goals & Highlights

  1. Improve access
  2. Equitable development
  3. Reconnect divided communities
  4. 100% funding for disadvantaged areas

Project Elements

  1. New/improved sidewalks
  2. Bicycle facilities and pathways
  3. Crossing improvements
  4. Transit access upgrades
  5. Lighting and environmental upgrades

Proposed Area of Improvements

A map showing proposed walk-bike and intersection improvements along Sprague Avenue and 5th Avenue, spanning from Liberty Park to Edgecliff Park in Spokane, WA. The map includes parks, bus routes, freeways, and the STA Route 94.

The LEIA program has received support from a wide range of community and neighborhood partners.

View all letters of support on behalf of LEIA (PDF)

Carl Maxey Center

The Carl Maxey Center is a Black-led and Black-centered non-profit, based in East Central Spokane that strives to expand the educational, economic, and cultural opportunities in Spokane.

East Central Neighborhood Council

The East Central Neighborhood Council is a citizen-led volunteer group of people who live, work, and do business in the neighborhood, and advocates on behalf of its community members.

Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

For over 100 years, the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has dedicated its mission to serving businesses, improving community vitality, and fueling economic prosperity. The Chamber remains a resilient, rallying force behind economic vitality for the region.

Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations

Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is a chemical dependency facility for minor-aged teenagers located in the LEIA project area. The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is a consortium effort started by the Colville Confederated Tribes, The Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Kalispel Tribe, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla.

Spokane Public Library

Liberty Park Library is situated in close proximity to the heart of the project corridor, the Spokane Public Library serves as a pivotal hub and communal space for the neighborhood’s residents.

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Cathy McMorris Rodgers is Eastern Washington’s chief advocate in Congress and Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Senator Maria Cantwell

Maria Cantwell currently serves as a United States Senator for the State of Washington.

Senator Patty Murray

As Washington state’s senior Senator, Patty has a proven track record championing Washington state. The LEIA project would rectify many lingering impacts of I-90 on surrounding communities by making significant multimodal investments to improve safety and increase access across the Spokane region.

Spokane Conservation District

The Spokane Conservation District’s mission is to help protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources. To promote the sustainable use of natural resources within Spokane County. A new year round farmers market is slated to open in the spring of 2025 on the Spokane Conservation Districts grounds in order offer a year round space for more vendors in the LEIA project area.

Spokane Public Schools

The Spokane Public Schools are in support of removing transportation barriers such as unsafe arterial crossings, missing sidewalks, and limited bicycle facilities. The Principals who lead their five public elementary schools that serve the neighborhood along I-90 have all expressed strong interest in improving accessibility and safety to benefit everyone in the LEIA project area.

Spokane Regional Transportation Council

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Spokane County, Washington. The LEIA program is consistent with the goals and guiding principles of SRTC’s Horizon 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and will be added to our Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) if funding is made available.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

The mission of WSDOT is to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. WSDOT supports efforts to prioritize multimodal transportation equity solutions in disadvantaged communities, specifically communities surrounding the interstate and US 395 North Spokane Corridor.

Contact

Tara Limon, Principal Transit Planner
Email: [email protected]

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