Colville Tribes urge help as 1,200-mile road system outpaces 5.3 million in funding

The Colville Confederated Tribes are grappling with a significant funding shortfall for their road network, which covers 1,200 miles across a 1. 4 million-acre reservation. Director Richard Palmer, Sr. , noted that the annual federal funding of $5. 3 million falls short of addressing the urgent repairs needed, with only 30 miles rehabilitated in the last six years.

Chronic issues, such as washouts on SR-20 due to inadequate infrastructure, underscore the pressing need for investment. Additionally, delays in promised projects, like the legislative paving at Inchelium, have pushed timelines to as far as 2030. Despite these challenges, partnerships with WSDOT have improved collaboration on grant applications and technical assistance. The Tribes have gained voting membership in several regional planning organizations, which enhances their influence on transportation decisions. Palmer called for continued state partnership to expedite critical projects and support rural communities.

The situation reflects broader issues of rural infrastructure funding and maintenance in Washington state.