YAKIMA, Wash. – A major construction project in Yakima is nearing its final stages. The North 1st Street revitalization project, which has been in the works for over a decade, is set to conclude this fall.
The project focuses on North 1st Street, specifically between Martin Luther King Boulevard and East I Street. Construction began earlier this week at the East I Street intersection, marking the third and final phase.
Randy Beehler, the City of Yakima’s Communications and Public Affairs Director, shared insights on the project’s significance.
“Creating welcoming and attractive entrances to the city is really critical for visitors, but also for economic vitality,” he said.
Beehler emphasized the visual improvements residents can expect.
“The part that most people see is the aesthetics part. It’s new roadways, it’s new sidewalks, it’s new lighting, some decorations, banners, landscaping as well,” he said.
However, Beehler noted that the most crucial upgrades are happening beneath the surface, with enhancements to water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
“We’re constantly needing to upgrade infrastructure across the city. The North First Street project is really the largest that we’ve undertaken in many, many years and probably is the largest project we will undertake for the next several years,” he stated.
Despite concerns about the project’s cost, Beehler is confident in its long-term benefits.
“Yes, we’re making a large investment right now in that particular corridor, but we’re not going to have to make that investment for many, many more years. This is a major upgrade that will last a very long time and it’s money well spent in the near future of this scale. This is a really big project for Yakima,” he said.
Beehler expressed gratitude for the state and federal delegations that contributed to funding 95 percent of the project’s total cost.
For more information about the revitalization project, visit the city of Yakima’s website.
