January 12, 2012

The Transportation Policy Board drafted transportation recommendations for the 2012 Legislature.

The draft recommendations are:

PSRC supports the recommendations of the Connecting Washington Task Force for a comprehensive statewide transporta­tion package for consideration by the 2012 Legislature which furthers the implementation of the region's long-range trans­portation plan, Transportation 2040; meets state and regional growth and environmental objectives, including addressing climate change; emphasizes the basic maintenance, preservation and operation of the current system; and supports the region's long-term economic prosperity. PSRC supports short-term and long-term actions by the Legislature to address the following critical transportation needs:

• Finish what has been started
• Address the transit funding crisis
• Provide stable and sustainable funding for Washington State Ferries
• Provide additional revenue for local roadway needs
• Provide state funding sufficient to make significant progress in controlling storm water runoff from state and local roadways
• Fund locally developed priorities on state and local systems

These recommendations will be finalized by the Executive Board at its January 26, 2012 meeting. In addition, the Transportation Policy Board recommended an endorsement of a list of regional high priority investmentsfor legislative consideration as part of the statewide Forward Washington pilot program. Watch the discussion online at psrc.org.

For more information, contact Charlie Howard at 206-464-7122 or choward@psrc.org. 

The Transportation Policy Board discussed potential policies and procedures for the 2012 project selection process for PSRC funds.

PSRC adopts a policy framework to ensure PSRC funds are best directed to projects that meet the regional goals and priorities outlined in Transportation 2040, VISION 2040, and the Regional Economic Strategy. The board is developing policies and procedures for the 2012 project selection process that will take place later this year. The estimated funding available for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 is $441.9 million. The Board reviewed the major policy and procedural items for the 2012 project selection process, and directed staff to return in February with additional information, particularly related to the set-aside for nonmotorized and preservation and maintenance priorities. Watch the discussion or view the presentation online at psrc.org.

For more information, contact Kelly McGourty at 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org.

In other business, the Transportation Policy Board:

• Deferred a discussion on the Transportation 2040 Financial Plan until March 2012.
• Recommended approval of a routine amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program.
• Received a quarterly status report on PSRC-Funded projects.
• Were encouraged to nominate projects for the VISION 2040 Awards.

The Growth Management Policy Board heard a presentation on Renton's regional growth center.

Kevin Snyder, Planning and Development Director, and Elizabeth Chamberlain, Current and Long Range Planning Manager, described how Auburn has developed its downtown regional growth center.  The city has made some significant investments to improve the center.  Several development projects and restoration of historic structures have taken place to bring new activity and jobs to the downtown.   Watch the discussion or view the entire presentation online at psrc.org.

For more information, contact Rocky Piro at 206-464-6360, rpiro@psrc.org.

The Growth Management Policy Board heard a briefing on the scope being developed for updating the Regional Centers Monitoring report.

The report will provide updated information on regional growth and manufacturing and industrial centers.  Topics to be covered in the report include how centers have performed in accommodating growth, characteristics such as land use, employment, population, housing and transportation, and levels of public investment.  Watch the discussion online at psrc.org.

For more information, contact Ivan Miller at 206-464-7549, imiller@psrc.org.

In other business, the Growth Management Policy Board:

• Heard a briefing by Leonard Bauer, Department of Commerce, regarding legislative proposals related to growth management and VISION 2040.
• Received information on the revised word program for the Transportation 2040 prioritization process, including the reinstatement of the Prioritization Working Group, delay of the public comment and review period, and use of the Executive Board for oversight, rather than going to General Assembly in 2012. 
• Received an update on Growing Transit Communities.
• Were invited to nominate projects for the VISION 2040 Awards program.
• Deferred action the transfer of development rights allocation per the state's Landscape Conservation and Local Infrastructure Program until March 2012.