The City of Washington has received over $580,000 for a Competitive RISE grant for 700 feet of paved road on West Buchanan Street and adding turn lanes to Highway 1. By adding and updating the roads in the area, people will be able to access lots in the Southwest Industrial Park. The project is anticipated to be complete by November 2015. The grant was for $581,784. Prices for lots in the new industrial park have yet to be determined and future phases of the project will open up over 50 acres of commercial and industrial land.

According to Ed Raber, Director of the Washington Economic Development Group, the extension of West Buchanan Street to Highway 1 has been a proposed project in the City’s comprehensive plan dating back to the 1930s.