SPOKANE VALLEY – The City Council convened on April 16 to deliberate on significant infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering the city’s transportation network. Both an ordinance and an agreement with Yellowstone Pipe Line Company about relocating their pipeline on Pines Road were unanimously approved after brief deliberations.
“In amending Yellowstone Pipe Line Company’s franchise, we’re taking a crucial step to accommodate the City’s Pines Road Grade Separation Project,” remarked Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney, advocating for the ordinance’s approval on a first reading.
Councilman Al Merkel voiced concerns about expediting the process, stating, “I would want those touches to be there so the public can have chances to comment.”
Erica Amsden, CIP Engineering Manager, stressed the urgency, stating, “There are too many procedures in order to start the project in a timely manner, we’d like to save them time.”
“We’re considering a small change that’s easy to implement,” added Councilman Ben Wick, supporting the expedited timeline.
Following deliberations, the council unanimously approved the ordinance.
Subsequently, the council addressed the Phillips 66 Yellowstone Pipeline Relocation Agreement in connection with the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project.
“This agreement marks a pivotal milestone in advancing the relocation project,” emphasized Amsden.
Councilman Merkel queried, “Why are they not paying for it?”
Amsden clarified, “They have an easement – they are currently located in the city’s right-of-way, and if we are forcing them to move we can’t do that without compensating them.”
Addressing concerns raised by Merkel regarding potential service interruptions, Amsden assured the council that such disruptions were not anticipated.
Ultimately, the council unanimously passed the agreement.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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