North Creek Trail Open House Planned

The public is invited to attend an open house to learn about the proposed North Creek Trail. People are welcome anytime between 6:00 and 7:30 pm. Information and maps will be on display for review and staff will be on hand to answer questions.

In late 2009 Snohomish County began Phase I of its plan to build a section of the North Creek Trail between Filbert Road and North Creek Park (183^rd Street SE west of the Bothell-Everett Highway). The trail will be part of a coordinated regional system that will eventually connect the Sammamish River/Burke-Gilman Trail in King County with the Snohomish County Regional Interurban Trail.

"This is an exciting project which will provide great recreational opportunities for Snohomish

County residents," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "Identifying the alignment and purchasing the ROW are key steps in making the trail a reality."

The open house will show alternatives for the north section of the trail and the recommended west alignment for the section of the trail south of 192^nd Street SE. In response to additional citizen comments, the county has identified two additional alternatives for the section of trail between 192^nd Street SE and 183^rd Street SE. The three alternatives, along with their pros and cons, will be on display. The time and place of the open house is:

6:00-7:30 pm

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Lynnwood High School

18218 North Road

Next steps in the process:

• November 16, 2011 Open House
• Final alignment of the north section will be selected (early 2012)
• Design of the entire trail will proceed (between 183^rd Street SE and 208^th Street SE)
• Right-of-way plan presented to the Snohomish County Council for approval (mid-2012)
• SEPA permitting process (State Environmental Protection Agency); see project web page for link to information about the SEPA process http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Public_Works/Services/Roads/Projects/ncreektrail.htm
• Properties will be appraised
• Property owners will be contacted by right-of-way agents sometime after August 2012. Right-of-way purchase process (2012-2014)
• Snohomish County is currently seeking funding for construction of the trail, which will likely take place in phases

"I strongly encourage people to attend the open house," said Gossett. "Good public input will mean a better project."

For more information go to:

http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Public_Works/Services/Roads/Projects/ncreektrail.htm

County Wins Award for Innovative Commute Trip Reduction Program

The Curb the Congestion program, a partnership between Snohomish County and Community Transit, earned second place in the national Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) competition for marketing and outreach.

ACT, a national non-profit organization, is the leading association for professionals and organizations focused on transportation demand management-mitigating traffic congestion, increasing mobility, and improving air quality.

"Snohomish County worked with Community Transit in 2008 to develop Curb the Congestion as a way to reduce congestion on 164^th," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "It's been very successful in getting people to leave their cars and take the bus, carpool, bike, or use another way to travel."

In 2010 the program was expanded to include 128^th Street between Everett and Mill Creek and 20^th Street SE between Everett and Lake Stevens.

The award recognized the success of the program. Through the end of 2010, 361 people were signed up and participating in the program, removing an estimated 18,000 drive-alone car trips from these three crowded corridors. A follow-up survey reported that 90 percent of those who signed up would continue to use an alternate commute method after three months.

For 2011, the program offers a $50 monthly incentive to help participating riders pay for alternative transportation for the first three months they take the bus, bike, walk, carpool, or vanpool. After three months those who stay with the program are eligible to win a $50 random monthly drawing. Funding for this program is provided by Snohomish County through development mitigation fees and federal grants and is operated by Community Transit.