Politics & Government

Staff Proposes First Round Of State Sales Tax-Funded Projects

The improvements — all of which relate to University Place's Town Center project —total $1.26 million and would be completed within the next year.

University Place staff has identified five Town Center-related projects it wants to complete .

The projects – which total $1.3 million – would be the first batch funded via redirected state sales tax revenue that the city is allowed to use for public improvements at the retail development.

The City Council is scheduled to discuss the list at its meeting tonight.

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The projects list includes roadway improvements on Market Square and Drexler Drive West, a concrete staircase near the book drop of the University Place Library, a sprinkler system at one of the site’s three underground garages, enhanced security in the garages and hiring security/maintenance for the garage and atrium areas.

In June, the University Place City Council voted to accept the redirection of $500,000 in state sales tax dollars back to the city. It also had to create a separate governing body that issued $7.5 million in bonds to pay for the actual work.

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Overall, the city will get $12.5 million over 25 years for the projects.

In his report to the City Council, City Engineer Jack Ecklund acknowledged that the proposed project list, which includes projects that will be built after this year, totals almost $12.8 million, which exceeds the amount of money that the city issued for construction.

“It’s anticipated that many of the projects would be funded through negotiations with purchasers of Town Center properties,” he wrote.

The University Place City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m., tonight at City Hall, 3715 Bridgeport Way West.


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