Photo Courtesy: City of Yelm


– Editor’s Note:
I suggest utilizing the City of Yelm Government FB page and/or city’s website to put notices when Public Hearings are scheduled, in the spirit of transparency and getting public involvement. This TIP’s Public Hearing had little advance notification.


– From Yelm City Council member Joe DePinto’s council Facebook post
Used with permission of the councilor:

“At the last Yelm City Council meeting a few days ago, we approved the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), with a unanimous vote. This formalized plan allows the city to apply for state and federal funding and the city council can amend this list at any time with a majority vote.

“The Nisqually Valley News covered the meeting and on their front page listed “Sidewalks at Top of List For Yelm Transportation Plan.” While I think sidewalks are a portion of this plan I feel they omitted so much from the meeting. First of all SR 510 (The Yelm Bypass Loop) is literally at the top of the list. Plus there are many other projects of great importance including street projects at Mosman Ave, a feasibility study for the flooding out on Bald Hills road (I’m a huge supporter of this), and other transportation projects.

“I also suggested studies for two other projects both near the Yelm Middle School. One being a need for either a roundabout or some other traffic solution on that blind corner off of Crystal Springs St and Coates Rd.

“Lastly the NVN failed to mention the city asking for the city council to consider new revenue for transportation projects including a $20 vehicle fee. This is the maximum amount allowed by a vote of the city council under WA state law (under what is called a transportation benefit district that has taxing authority). Any more would require a vote of the people. I believe taxes and fees in Yelm have grown tremendously over the past few years and you have my word that I will vote against this new fee. I would support allowing the people to vote on this and would respect the will of the people.

“Also note that this increase that is authorized by RCW (which I have linked here) would allow for an increase to $40 after 2 years of the original fee increase, and $50 after 2 years of the $40 increase.

“Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think and what projects you would like to see happen in Yelm. Also linking the agenda that includes the TIP so you view the projects yourself.”