January 26, 2012
The Executive Board finalized transportation recommendations for the 2012 Legislature.
The 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
View the detailed recommendations here. In addition the board endorsed of a list of regional high priority investments. You can also get a sneak peak at a new website, forwardwashington.net. Forward Washington is a pilot project that reports on locally developed transportation priorities statewide. You're encouraged to check it out and let planners across the state know what you think.
For more information, contact Charlie Howard at 206-464-7122 or choward@psrc.org.
The Executive Board enjoyed an update on the progress to develop a new Regional Economic Strategy.
The next step in the update process is the review of the revised draft Talent Report and first draft of the Economy Report. These two reports, and other outreach, will inform the new regional strategy. The first draft of the new strategy is expected to be ready for staff review in late February. A draft is expected to be released for public comment in April. The new strategy is expected to be adopted in May. View the presentation at psrc.org.
For more information, contact Chris Endresen Scott at 206-971-3269 or cendresen@psrc.org.
In other business, the Executive Board:
- Met in Executive Session to discuss PSRC's office lease and authorized the Executive Director to initiate negotiations with the preferred landlord.
- Approved 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.
