User-pay funding, toll-setting process among the topics of March state transportation meeting

(OLYMPIA)– From congestion pricing in New York City to Oregon’s pay-per-mile road charge, the Washington State Transportation Commission will explore transportation funding approaches during its March 24-25 meeting.

Commissioners will also address topics closer to home, including efforts to reduce fatalities on Washington’s roadways, the Interstate 405/State Route 167 express toll lanes, and trends affecting Washington’s trucking industry, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 25, on Zoom. Registration for the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions is available on the commission’s website. The meeting will also be streamed live on TVW. Virtual public comment is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Written comments can be submitted to transc@wstc.wa.gov.

The meeting will include a public hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, where commissioners are expected to adopt a new toll-setting process designed to emphasize public engagement and respond more quickly to financial needs. The commission released the proposal for public comment in February. Those who wish to testify must attend the meeting via Zoom.