Burien received a major boost last week when Congress approved federal funding for the city's long-term vision for downtown redevelopment.

The state's two U.S. senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, were instrumental in crafting the transportation financing package, which was approved July 29.

Included in that package is $4 million dedicated to street and pedestrian improvements that are part of the Town Square project.

Another $5 million will fund upgrades along the state Route 518 corridor to Sea-Tac International Airport.

The transportation funding legislation is expected to be signed by President Bush in the next few days.

"We are thrilled by Senator Murray's and Cantwell's significant efforts to make the federal government a partner in the redevelopment of downtown Burien," declared Mayor Noel Gibb.

"This critical funding will help to transform Burien's downtown into a wonderful urban center, with a mix of residential, retail and commercial uses and a healthy, accessible pedestrian and transit system," Gibb continued. Congressmen Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, and Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, also supported the funding.

"All four of the city's congressional representatives have been strong project advocates for some time," Gibb reflected.

"We want to express our sincere gratitude to our congressional delegation for their support of this exciting public-private partnership."

A key component of the Town Square project is the connection with Burien's planned Transit Center, another new redevelopment project that has received past federal transportation funding.

The new federal allocation, coupled with other federal, state and local funds, will leverage more than $85 million in private sector funding that is pledged to the Town Square project.

Bicycle lanes and ADA-accessible pedestrian facilities will be added to the new streets included in the project, promoting a new urban center that will enhance mobility, reduce dependency on motor vehicles, and support transit.

"This is good news," City Manager Gary Long added. "It puts the city within striking distance. It gives us 90 percent of the funding we need for [Town Square] streets.

"We asked for $4 million and we got $4 million. That shows the level of commitment that we've gotten from our senators."

The Burien-area street and highway projects were primary beneficiaries of $41 million earmarked for South King County transportation projects.

The federal appropriations will fund a number of highway, ferry and transit programs through 2009.

In addition to Town Square, local projects include:

State Route 518 from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Interstate 405