Othello Debates Funding for Reynolds Road Roundabout

The intersection of State Route 26 and South Reynolds Road in Othello has become a focal point of community debate, as city officials and the Port of Othello deliberate on the necessity and funding of a proposed roundabout.

During a recent city council meeting, Port Commissioner Deena Vietzke emphasized the port's interest in enhancing safety and traffic flow at this busy junction. "If you guys have any great ideas, I would love to work together," Vietzke stated, highlighting the port's willingness to collaborate with the city to secure funding for the project.

The intersection has seen increased traffic due to ongoing development along 14th Street, leading to heightened safety concerns. Currently, traffic is managed by stop signs on either side of SR 26, a setup that many believe is insufficient given the area's growth.

However, the proposal has sparked differing opinions among city council members. Council Member Corey Everett questioned the city's role in the project, suggesting that the responsibility lies with the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). "Why is the city and the port getting involved? This is something DOT should be doing, not the city of Othello," Everett remarked.

Adding to the complexity, Council Member John Lallas pointed out that the port stands to benefit from the roundabout due to its adjacent developable property. He argued that the port should bear the financial burden of the project. "We have an issue with the traffic," Lallas said. "We’ve been dealing with it for 20 years."

Contrary to some council members' beliefs, Sebastian Moraga, communications specialist for WSDOT's North Central region, clarified that there are no current plans to modify the Reynolds Road-SR 26 intersection. "According to our program engineers, we don’t have any current plans for a roundabout at this intersection," Moraga stated, noting that while there have been past collisions, the site has not been prioritized for funding compared to other intersections statewide.

Moraga elaborated that prioritization involves multiple factors, including crash history, types of vehicles, and pedestrian usage. Any potential project must also consider cost and design feasibility.

Port Director Chris Faix shared that discussions with WSDOT revealed three options: waiting for WSDOT to initiate the project, which lacks a set timeline; local entities constructing the roundabout to WSDOT specifications; or funding WSDOT to undertake the construction.

Everett expressed concerns about the port's ability to complete the project, referencing a previous development plan that was abandoned due to funding issues. Faix responded that the city lost its funding for that project, and the port couldn't finance it alone.

Lallas reiterated that the roundabout would enhance the marketability of the port's property, suggesting that the port should finance the project. Faix acknowledged the potential benefits but noted that the increased property value wouldn't suffice to cover the roundabout's cost if the port were to fund it entirely.

"We’re not in the business to make millions of dollars. We’re here to serve Othello, make it better, make Adams County better," Faix said. "We would like the city’s help. Mayor Logan and I have chatted; he came to me, we’ve talked about looking for some grant funding, working with a consultant, to try and get this roundabout to come in to benefit everyone involved."

As the debate continues, the community awaits a resolution that balances safety, development, and fiscal responsibility.