Session about Transportation Benefit District renewal on Nov. ballot

CHEHALIS, Wash. – The City of Chehalis invites community members to attend a public question-and-answer session about the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) renewal on the November general election ballot.

The session will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at the V.R. Lee Community Building, located at 221 SW 13th St. in Chehalis. City representatives will provide an informal presentation about the TBD, how the funding has been used and what the renewal would mean for future transportation projects. Community members will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

The measure on the Nov. 3 ballot is not a new tax. Chehalis voters first approved the TBD in 2017. The City is asking voters to renew the existing 0.2% sales tax for another 10 years at the same rate, equal to 2 cents on a $10 purchase. Revenue can be used for streets, pedestrian safety projects, traffic congestion relief and matching funds for grants.

Since it began, the TBD has helped fund major improvements including the reconstruction of NW Pacific Avenue and SW Chehalis Avenue and sidewalk and pedestrian improvements along SW 13th Street. It also provides local funding that helps the City compete for state and federal grants, allowing local transportation dollars to go further.

That funding will continue to play an important role in major transportation projects planned for Chehalis. Upcoming work includes Safe Routes to School improvements that will make walking and biking connections safer, continued work on the Downtown Rejuvenation Plan and efforts to replace the aging Chamber Way Rail Bridge.

Transportation infrastructure is important to residents, businesses and visitors and helps support public safety, accessibility and the local economy. Because the TBD is funded through sales tax, visitors as well as residents contribute toward transportation improvements in the community.

More information about the Transportation Benefit District is available at

ci.chehalis.wa.us/publicworks/page/transportation-benefit-district.

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The City of Chehalis (pop. 10,000) is located in southwestern Washington midway between Seattle and Portland, Ore. Chehalis is known for its historic downtown, role as an economic hub for the region, and access to outdoor recreation. The city operates under a balanced budget and has passed all its independent audits by the state. More information can be found at www.ci.chehalis.wa.us.