Transportation Commission seeks input on the plan for Washington’s transportation future
(OLYMPIA)– The Washington State Transportation Commission is updating the state’s 20-year plan for transportation and will begin its first round of listening sessions in April and May, with six meetings planned throughout the state.
The Washington Transportation Plan serves as the guidepost for state, regional and local plans, establishing priorities and goals for transportation statewide, according to a news release from the WSTC.
The listening sessions will focus on gathering early input from statewide leaders, interested parties and the public on what the top transportation priorities, needs and challenges are in their part of the state. All meetings will be conducted via Zoom, and one meeting has an in-person option.
The public is invited to attend the meetings to hear about topics from transportation professionals, listen to the dialogue and provide feedback. Public comment will be taken at each meeting.
The following meetings will be virtual and require online registration:
- Greater Seattle area: Tuesday, April 23, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by Puget Sound Regional Council
- Greater Spokane area: Wednesday, April 24, 9 to 11 a.m. Hosted by the Spokane Regional Transportation Council
- Southwest Washington: Thursday, April 25, 9 to 11 a.m. Hosted by the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council
- Olympic Peninsula and Olympia: Monday, April 29, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization
- North Central Washington: Wednesday, May 1, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council
One of the meetings will be hybrid, with in-person and virtual options:
- South Central Washington: Monday, May 13, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments
Those wishing to attend any of the meetings, virtually or in person, may register by visiting the commission’s website. Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/
The Washington Transportation Plan provides an overarching transportation policy framework along with strategies for use by all jurisdictions statewide that issue transportation plans or operate parts of the transportation system. The plan also serves as one of the state’s tools to demonstrate compliance with federal planning requirements.
For more information about the plan update, visit the commission’s website: wstc.wa.gov.