The Francis Avenue bridge that's under construction in northwest Spokane is another step in the Washington state Department of Transportation's long-range project to provide greater transportation safety and mobility through the city of Spokane by creating a north-south freeway. Among other benefits, that new corridor will provide easier access to I-90 for thousands of residents in the northernmost neighborhoods and outlying rural areas.

A workforce of between 15 and 20 ironworkers are on the job from Spokane's Iron Workers Local No. 14, fabricating and installing tons of reinforcing steel in the roadbed of the bridge.

Tom Tanner, the local's business agent, says, "This project has provided a much-needed supply of new jobs for an area that has experienced very high unemployment for the past two years. There are signs opportunities in Eastern Washington are starting to improve, and we are looking forward to recruiting a new class of apprentices in the coming months."

The general contractor for the project is Graham Construction & Management Inc., of Spokane. Tri States Rebar Inc., a local family-owned business founded in 1983, is a subcontractor on the project. Concerning the local economic impact of the project, Tri States Vice President Jeff Ilenstine says, "The Spokane Corridor project was discussed and planned for over 20 years before we actually started work. Since then, Tri States Rebar has provided thousands of hours for union ironworkers who have installed thousands of tons of reinforcing steel in the bridges and tunnels as phases of the project continue."

The work on the Francis Avenue project underscores the importance of the construction industry and its impact on the local economy. According to Ilenstine, the budget for the steel reinforcing portion of the bridge includes more than $335,000 in wages and benefits to employees.

"These workers live in the Spokane area, and those wages will be spent with local businesses as well as pay taxes for important city services. In fact, those paychecks will in turn keep other Spokane-area people employed," Ilenstine says.

Graham Construction Project Manager Erik Wick places the total wages for on-site workers at $1.35 million. In addition, Wick says local suppliers received another $3 million of the $14 million contract. Subcontractors include L&L Cargile Inc., Colvico Inc., William Winkler Co., Sharp-Line Industries Inc., and Central Premix Concrete Co.

Graham Construction, an employee-owned company, has handled several projects in the Inland Northwest. What's made a big difference here, Wick says, "is the fact that the Spokane region has some great contractors. Combine that with an outstanding and trained local workforce, and we can be proud of a finished project and turn it over to the people of Washington."