constructing a “prioritization matrix” that
factors in road condition, daily traffic rates
and other infrastructure elements while
coming up with a top 25 list of projects to
handle.
The matrix and the full-fledged monetary
benefit from the IRRP should combine in
2016 to allow the city to begin handling
issues on a proactive, rather than reactive,
basis.
“We’re really trying to get ourselves
prepared for that,”Bealey said.
A dedicated website – GoWallaWalla.us –
has been established to keep residents
updated on past and current public works
projects, and the latter list includes this
year’s planned resurfacing of Rose Street
from Thirteenth Avenue to Ninth Avenue,
upgrading sidewalk ramps at intersections
and making water and stormwater utility
improvements.
Sidewalks will be also constructed on the
south side of Rose Street where none now
exist within the stretch and between the
BlueMountainMall and Jade Street.
“Thus far, we have just kind of been doing
the best we can to prioritize those projects,”
Bealey said. “Once we have (the matrix and
the full IRRP funding), we’ll really be able
to prioritize the projects in a very
quantifiable approach.”
But lest anyone thinkWallaWalla is playing
catch-up in all areas, it’s certainly not.
The city has long taken a progressive
approach to sustainability, which is best
illustrated by the aforementioned full-
reclamation wastewater treatment process
– alongside a surface water system that pulls
from a watershed source about 14 miles
away and brings the water down through a
pipeline whose change in elevation is
