Ridgefield’s elected officials have prioritized the city’s capital projects to address infrastructure challenges and support the city’s continued growth as lobbying points for state and federal funding.
During a Thursday, Dec. 19, meeting, the City Council unanimously approved its funding priorities, outlining specific projects for state and federal sources. Ridgefield, currently home to roughly 17,000 residents, is anticipated to grow to over 26,000 by 2045. The council’s funding priorities address infrastructure changes in anticipation of this population growth.
State legislative priorities
As the state Legislature is slated to meet on Jan. 13, 2025, Ridgefield will seek state funding for two key capital projects.
Landslide mitigation project — $3 million-$4 million
The first project would stabilize a landslide-prone segment of Pioneer Street, also known as state Route 501, between 35th Avenue and downtown Ridgefield. The road, transferred from state to city jurisdiction earlier this year, has experienced four significant landslides since 2006, with repair costs ranging from $650,000 to $1.1 million per incident. The city now seeks $3 million to $4 million in state funding to implement slope stabilization measures, ensuring uninterrupted access to this primary east-west roadway. This effort will not only improve safety for residents but also protect the Gee Creek watershed, which previous slides have impacted.
South Ridgefield access to Interstate 5 — $5 million
The second priority involves advancing the design phase for a new south Ridgefield access point to Interstate 5. The project, estimated to require $5 million for design and pre-construction work, would establish a western ramp connecting Interstate 5 to Hillhurst Road. This connection would alleviate congestion at Ridgefield’s existing interchange and support the city’s growth by creating a shovel-ready project eligible for future federal infrastructure funding.
Additionally, the council approved a set of general legislative requests aimed at supporting Ridgefield’s growing community. One request seeks to establish a regional law enforcement training center in Clark County, with Ridgefield identified as a potential location if suitable land becomes available. Another priority is the council’s endorsement of a state bill to lower the threshold for passing school bond measures from the current 60% supermajority to 55% approval. In April, a Ridgefield School District proposal to build a new elementary school narrowly failed with 58.91% support.
Federal requests
In addition to the state legislature, the Ridgefield City Council has identified several key federal funding priorities to address infrastructure challenges and support the city’s continued growth. These projects aim to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve regional economic development.
11th Street overpass – $3 Million
The 11th Street overpass project is designed to provide a critical connection between employment districts east and west of I-5 in Ridgefield. Currently, the only crossing within city limits is at Pioneer Street, leading to significant congestion and safety concerns, particularly where freight and local traffic intersect. Once completed, the overpass will link the Union Ridge business park to the Port of Ridgefield’s 11th Street industrial area, facilitating smoother traffic flow for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The $3 million request will help fund the construction phase, utilizing existing funding from a Surface Transportation Block Grant and local tax increment financing.
South Royle Road Corridor improvement project Phase II — $2 Million
The South Royle Road Corridor Improvement Project focuses on upgrading the roadway between Pioneer Street and Hillhurst Road. The project aims to create a “complete street” that supports multi-modal transportation, improves safety and enhances environmental conditions. This includes adding bike lanes, sidewalks, left-turn lanes and widening the road to two lanes. Additionally, a key feature is the replacement of a culvert over Gee Creek, removing a barrier to fish passage. The project also integrates critical infrastructure upgrades, including a sanitary sewer line in partnership with the Clark Regional Wastewater District and a new water main to enhance resiliency. Recognized as a regional priority, the $2 million requested would fund the final construction phase, ensuring safer routes for schoolchildren and improving the corridor’s overall functionality.
Ridgefield lobbyists will also seek federal funding for the design phase of the south I-5 access project.
