A $170,000 project to install new wheelchair ramps along East and West Washington Street made it onto the list of local transportation projects that will get federal stimulus money.

"I just received a letter today confirming the city has received $170,000 for East and West Washington Street sidewalk improvements," said Frank Needham, Sequim's capital projects manager.

The funding is a double-edged sword because once local governments are notified of funding, the project must be up and running within 60 days, he said.

Karen Goschen, the city's administrative services manager, said the state's list of applicants was ranked based on how close the projects are to starting and how many other requirements are out of the way.

One of those requirements, a National Environmental Policy Act review, already is under way for the city's sidewalk ramp project, she said.

Washington will receive $492 million in Federal Highway Administration funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed Feb. 17 by President Barack Obama.

The $170,000 is part of $152 million allocated to 147 local government transportation projects through the federal stimulus program. The money is being allocated through the state's "statewide transportation plan" process.

The list is available at state Department of Transportation's Web site (www.wsdot.wa.gov) by clicking on "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" and then on "Local Projects List."



Reach Brian Gawley at bgawley@sequimgazette.com.