July 12, 2012

The Transportation Policy Board recommended Executive Board approval of projects proposed to receive $457 million in PSRC's federal funds.

The next step in the project selection process will be the preparation of the draft 2013-2016 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). In August, staff will conduct an air quality conformity analysis to ensure the projects meet air quality requirements.  In September, the draft TIP is scheduled to be released for a public comment period.  See the project list here. Watch the discussion or view the presentation online at psrc.org.

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

The Transportation Policy Board received a briefing on the history and structure of transit agencies in the region.

The presentation is one of three briefings planned in response to a motion passed by the Executive Board in October 2011.  The motion called for the Transportation Policy Board to take up issues related to regional transit coordination and the long-term funding of transportation.  View the presentation.

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

In other business, the Transportation Policy Board:

• Recommended approval of a routine amendment to the 2010-13 Regional Transportation Improvement Program
• Recommended certification of comprehensive plan amendments for the Burien, Kent and Seattle.
• Received information on the certification of updated countywide planning policies for Kitsap County and Snohomish County.
• Deferred discussions on the Transportation 2040 Update and the Transportation Recovery Plan due to time constraints.

The Growth Management Policy Board heard a presentation on Seattle's two regional manufacturing-industrial centers: Duwamish and Ballard-Interbay.

Tom Hauger, from Seattle's department of planning and development, provided details on employment and land uses in the Duwamish and Ballard-Interbay centers.  He noted that one third of the city's sales and business and occupation (B&O) tax revenue flows from the industrial centers. The city is seeking to retain and attract industries in these areas using different tools, including lowering size-of-use limits for office and retail and designating an industrial development district.  Watch the discussion or view the presentation online at psrc.org.

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

The Growth Management Policy Board discussed property rights in Washington state and the central Puget Sound region.

Alan Copsey, Deputy Solicitor General for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, provided information on an advisory memorandum from the AG Office, titled "Avoiding Unconstitutional Takings of Private Property."  Margaret Pageler, member of the Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board, presented information on property rights cases in the region.  Bob Benze, member of the Growth Management Policy Board, presented a property rights discussion paper prepared by the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners.

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

In other business, the Growth Management Policy Board:

• Recommended the Executive Board certify the updated Countywide Planning Policies for Kitsap County and for Snohomish County, finding both sets consistent with the multicounty planning policies in VISION 2040. View the presentation.
• Recommended the Executive Board certify the transportation-related provisions in the comprehensive plan amendments and updates for the cities of Burien, Kent and Seattle.
• Received information on Growing Transit Communities Partnership activities and upcoming events.