Construction on South 9th Street scheduled to start on Sept. 12

The South 9th Street Improvement Project, which runs between Commerce Street and Market Street in Downtown Tacoma is scheduled to start Sept. 12. The project includes removing and replacing the concrete panels in the street and sidewalk as well as construction of bulb outs and crosswalks.

Construction will require the contractor to close two of the four lanes on 9th Street. The remaining two lanes will provide one-lane of travel in each direction.

Pedestrian safety and mobility will be improved with new ramps and bulb outs at Court C, between Broadway and Market Street, and at South 9th Street. These improvements will require a change in traffic direction on Court C from one-way southbound to one-way northbound between South 9th and South 11th streets.

Work in this area will take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The project is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 10, 2011. Weather and unknown site conditions may impact the schedule. For more information, visit the project website at www.cityoftacoma.org/South9thStreet.

New Alliance Aims to Help Businesses Become Green

The Environmental Business Alliance (EB Alliance) of Tacoma-Pierce County has been formed to help businesses become green in two ways: by improving their environmental performance and increasing their profitability.

The EB Alliance is a partnership of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, Go Local and the City of Tacoma. The alliance provides businesses with access to resources and information about environmentally sustainable practices.

Membership is free. Businesses that join the alliance will help the environment, enhance the community, and improve their own bottom line by saving utility resources and reaching more customers. For more information, visit www.eb-alliance.org.