On Tuesday, the City of Centralia gave the go-ahead to Centralia Public Works Director Kim Ashmore to renew the city’s sidewalk repair program. The program, which has not been active in the City for many years, will pay one-half of the cost to repair certain sidewalk projects that would have otherwise been the sole responsibility of the property owners.

We have all seen sidewalks in our community that pose a significant danger to walkers and runners. Some of the sidewalk repairs are squarely the responsibility of the city and others fall on the shoulders of the property owner; which can be very costly. Rather than put the burden on the property owner alone, the City wants to help make our city sidewalks safer and more accessible. This program helps significantly.

Peter Abbarno, Centralia Mayor Pro Tem

Revenue raised from the existing Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Funds will be used towards these citizen driven projects to pay labor, materials and equipment used in the repair of sidewalks.

Aplications will be available at City Hall and online at www.CityOfCentralia.com. Once received, city staff will, assess the project and its cost. According to Mr. Ashmore, a number of private and commercial property owners have contacted the Department of Public Works interested in the program.

Infrastructure, street, and sidewalk improvements are very important to the safety and quality of life in our community. Citizen driven collaborative programs like this will help the City identify and fix trouble spots much quicker. I know there will be many property owners, as well as pedestrians, interested in this program.

Accessible and Inclusive sidewalks and streets has been an important issue of mine since joining the City Council. I am very happy to support this collaborative approach to solving accessibility issues.

Peter Abbarno, Centralia Mayor Pro Tem