The draft policy framework continues to focus on support for centers and corridors, strengthens criteria for health and equity, and asks for more information on innovation. The money comes from both the Federal Highway and Federal Transit Administrations. For the FHWA side, there would be $56 million in set asides for preservation, Kitsap County's adjustment and bicycle and pedestrian projects. The remainder would be split 50/50 between a regional competition and competitions among the four countywide groups. The FTA funding would largely be distributed to transit agencies based on an earned share competition, with a smaller amount for a regional competition.

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

WSDOT presented the progress and next steps on the now fully funded, $4.65 million project. Connecting Washington, the recent transportation package adopted by the Legislature, will provide the final $1.64 million needed for the west approach to the new bridge. The floating bridge is scheduled to open this April and a community celebration is planned for the weekend of April 2. WSDOT will be working closely with the City of Seattle as the construction begins for the I-5 to the bridge portion in 2018.

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

PSRC's FTA funds are adjusted on an annual basis based on actual funding available and the service provided by the transit agencies to the region. This year's adjustment means an additional $7.7 million for over 20 transit projects, one of which is new to the Regional Transportation Improvement Program and is currently out for public comment. The new project is recommended for $325,843 of design and engineering for the remodel of Skagit Transit's new maintenance facility. Skagit Transit is eligible for PSRC funding because of the commuter services it provides to Snohomish County.

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

An additional $79,676 is available to partially fund two special needs projects. The bulk of the additional funds would go to King County Metro's Community Access Transportation program. The $60,193 would expand the demand response service. The remaining $19,483 would go to sustain the Hyde Shuttle for Senior Services of King County.

For more information, contact Gil Cerise at 206-971-3053 or gcerise@psrc.org.