It's Cool to Love Downtown Tacoma

In the spirit of Saint Valentines the City of Tacoma's Landmark Preservation Commission have teamed up with Tim Norris of TMN Creative and Spaceworks sponsored Tim + April to invite us to share our love for downtown Tacoma throughout the month of February. Share our story and highlight the historic character we have in downtown with the #IHeartTacoma social media photo contest. 

To enter print the Tacoma Heart Map found here and take a picture holding the Heart Map in front of your favorite Tacoma historic building that must be at least fifty years old. Post using #IHeartTacoma with the name of the building and address in the comments. The winner will be selected based on the photograph with the most likes.

You can post on facebook to Tacoma Historic Preservation and TMN Creative. For you instagramers, use @Tacoma_Culture and @tmnrrs, or use twitter handle @Tacoma_Culture. Learn more about the social media contest here. Yes, it is always cool to share your love for the City of Destiny.

Murray Morgan Bridge Closure Feb. 14

A closure to vehicle traffic on the Murray Morgan Bridge (11th Street in Tacoma) is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.

This closure will allow for the final stages of dredging to be conducted in the Thea Foss Waterway. During this time the lift span of the bridge will be raised to allow marine vessels to pass; however, vessels are urged to use caution while passing due to the presence of barges under the bridge.

During the closure there will be limited pedestrian access from ‘A’ Street to the elevator and stairs only, with all other pedestrian access closed until work is complete.

For more information on the Murray Morgan Bridge, visit HERE.

Tacoma's Pacific Ave Ramp to I-5 Five Week Closure Starting at 10 p.m. on 2/9

The Washington State Department of Transportation released a Traffic Advisory for Tacoma's Pacific Avenue on-ramp to I-5 closes for five weeks starting at 10 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9. Expect traffic delays because drivers will be sent to the same detour route as drivers on the closed A Street on-ramp.

During the Pacific Avenue closure, crews will construct a new drainage system as part of its I-5 M Street to Portland Avenue project. The WSDT will detour drivers to I-5 via State Route 509 and Interstate 705 until the ramp reopens in mid-March. 

Click here for more information on the I-5 – M Street to Portland Avenue. 

Breaking News - $75 million Federal Grant for Tacoma Link Expansion in 2016 Budget Proposal

Sound Transit just announced that the The Tacoma Link may be receiving a $75 million federal grant in fiscal year 2016. This comes as great news for local downtown businesses who want the Tacoma Link to grow and facilitate ridership to the downtown corridor. Easier access means economic growth for our region.This federal grant, also known as the Small Starts grant would act as a supplement to local tax revenues and other grants needed for construction of the 2.4 mile light rail expansion.

The Obama Administration proposed this federal grant supporting $74.99 federal funding and would provide the single largest funding for extending the Tacoma Link light rail line.Although, it does not end there this budget must next be approved by Congress. In 2008 voters approved the expansion of Tacoma Link in the 2 ballot measure and the Sound Transit Board has been diligently coalition building. 

Currently Sound Transit and the City have worked together to secure $13 million in grants for the City's contribution to the project. The 2.4-mile voter approved expansion requires approximately $75 million in Small Starts funding, $50 million in ST2 revenues, and $40 million from the City of Tacoma who is a key partner in the project. This alignment would expand the Tacoma Link from the Theater District to the Stadium and Hilltop districts with seven proposed stations. The Board is scheduled to review a final alignment and station locations this spring.