SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane leaders are seeking federal money to help plan better evacuation routes for the Indian Trail and Five Mile neighborhoods after the 2026 Spokane Complex Fire.
According to a city-county announcement, Spokane and Spokane County applied together for a U.S. Department of Transportation PROTECT grant to study how people can get in and out of those areas more safely during emergencies. More on the PROTECT grant program.
Leaders said those neighborhoods have limited road connections in areas shared by the city and county. They explained that the Spokane River, steep hills, a large landfill and spread-out development have made the area depend on only a few main roads during evacuations.
If the full award is approved, the project would bring in $1.4 million. Officials said the money would pay for a risk assessment, identify emergency routes, create a communication plan for evacuations and begin design work on selected projects.
The city and county also said the grant would support study work in places beyond Indian Trail and Five Mile. They expected a decision by the end of the year.
Mayor Lisa Brown said the request focused on problem areas that became clear during...