Senate budget: $400,000 for safer Cougar Nation

The state Senate budget passed last week includes $400,000 in funding to help with safety improvements for “Cougar Nation.” The funding was included in the 2017-19 transportation plan at the request of Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

“Every year it seems there’s at least one fatal crash on SR 26 or US 195 associated with ‘Cougar Nation.’ The challenge of making those corridors safer is recognized by everyone I’ve talked to at WSU, from President Schulz to the student leaders who came over to share their concerns,” Schoesler said in an April 6 press release. “It’s a unique s...