The PIAC is ready to recommend its five-year financing programthat will begin with the city government's fiscal year May 1. Theplan is updated each year and is considered by the City Council atits budget meetings. PIAC funding is generated by a 1¢ city salestax. Of the PIAC's $27 million annual revenue roll, about 4% goesdowntown. PIAC members are showing support to increase the amountup to 10%.

One downtown project that is high on the priority list is nearly$5 million for traffic improvements in the Quality Hill area, onthe west edge of downtown and on the northern edge of the BartleHall convention center. It is hoped that by coordinating trafficsignals that traffic jams from the convention center to theBroadway Bridge will be alleviated.

"The public works project of the PIAC in the convention centerdistrict will cover an area from Bartle Hall, across the river tothe Northland," says Kent Crippin, Downtown Council member. "Weneed to road improvements, as well as upgraded infrastructue. Wealso need to improve intersections and streetscapes. Work shouldbegin this spring."