With local officials believing Rhoton Road’s usage will increase with the eventual completion of the Yelm Bypass project, the City of Yelm is set to receive two Federal Highway Administration grants for the design phase and right-of-way acquisition for the road’s reconstruction project.
Yelm Public Works Director Cody Colt said during July 23’s Yelm City Council meeting that the two Federal Highway Administration grants are from the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
The funding will allow for the city to begin the Rhoton Road reconstruction project, Colt said. The grants include a $745,450 Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and a $104,550 Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant.
“We knew this money was coming, but we have to formally accept the money,” Colt said. “This does obligate us to build this road, which we plan on building. We’re searching for grant money for that right now. We want to do grant money, but if we have to, we can use our own money as needed.”
The design and right-of-way acquisition phase will take place through 2025, with reconstruction of Rhoton Road expected to begin in 2026.
Colt said the road should be completed at the same time or before the opening of the Yelm Bypass.
Colt said the city will likely receive another Federal Highway Administration grant to fund the construction phase of the road project.
“Once we get into the design phase, we can then start looking for construction money since that will take about a year,” Colt said.
Yelm City Council members unanimously approved accepting the funds from WSDOT.