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A task force of Clark County, Wash. business leaders is lobbying for state funding for freight- and commerce-oriented projects in Southwest Washington.

Members of the Vancouver, Wash.-based economic development organization Identity Clark County formed the Southwest Washington Freight and Commerce Task Force (SW FACT) after reviewing initial proposals for the latest round of state transportation funding, said Ron Arp, a member of Identity Clark County’s executive committee.

鈥淪outhwest Washington was almost completely overlooked,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e’d like to see our fair share in Southwest Washington of any funding packages that come forward.鈥�

Identity Clark County, a nonprofit with approximately 80 members representing businesses throughout Southwest Washington, has spent the past nine months gearing up to launch the task force, Arp said. Members have already prioritized a dozen proposed transportation projects that they believe are important to freight and commerce mobility over the next 10 years. They plan to lobby state legislators and agencies to see that those projects are funded.

鈥淭he business community is definitely supportive of infrastructure projects, especially those that support freight and commerce,鈥� Arp said. 鈥淭hey support existing businesses, they attract new businesses and it also improves safety and livability.鈥�

Top priorities include: an overpass at Pioneer Street in Ridgefield that would create access to additional land for development; traffic capacity and flow improvements along Mill Plain Boulevard west of Interstate 5 in downtown Vancouver; and an effort to widen Washington State Route 14 in Vancouver, between intersections with Interstate 205 and Southeast 164thAvenue.

The task force has a couple dozen members and is seeking the support of more businesses and organizations. Prominent supporters include Vancouver-based companies Killian Pacific and Thompson Metal Fab and the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Arp said.

Parties interested in participating in the group can call Arp at 360-601-2991 or email him at [email protected].