The Puget Sound Regional Council announced Thursday it is recommending nearly $2.5 million in funding for two projects in Edmonds — nearly $2 million for the Five Corners Roundabout and a half-million dollars for a street overlay on 5th Avenue South from Elm Way to Walnut Street.

“These projects were selected on their merits and support the region’s economic development and growth,” said Bellevue Councilmember Claudia Balducci, chair of PSRC’s Transportation Policy Board. “When Congress approved these funds earlier this year, their focus was on growing and sustaining jobs.  These projects, large and small, will put people to work and shore up the foundations of our economy for the future.”

The PSRC is a regional planning agency with specific responsibilities under federal and state law for transportation planning, economic development and growth management. It helps local governments and transportation agencies addressissues that go beyond the boundaries of any individual city or county. The agency’s budget and work program is funded by a combination of federal and state grants, as well as dues paid by PSRC members and from other local sources.

The $1,936,500 recommended for the Five Corners Roundabout would be in addition to a $463,000 FHWA Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant already received for the roundabout and right-of-way acquisition.

PSRC invites the public to comment on both projects proposed for funding and also on the region’s overall draft Transportation Improvement Program for 2013-2016. The public comment period runs from Sept. 13-Oct. 25. The vote by PSRC’s Executive Board to approve the 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program is scheduled for Oct. 25. A complete list of all projects and more information is available at psrc.org.

Comments can be submitted by mail to Puget Sound Regional Council, ATTN: Kelly McGourty, 1011 Western Ave., Suite 500
Seattle, Wash. 98104-1035 or via email to kmcgourty@psrc.org.