The Washington State Transportation Commission has released the draft Washington Transportation Plan (WTP 2030) for public review and comment.
The commission led the development of WTP 2030 with ongoing engagement and input from a diverse stakeholder Advisory Group and other partners around the state and will finalize the plan in December 2010.
WTP 2030 sets a 20-year course for Washington State’s transportation system. It identifies long-term funding shortfalls, service needs, and system wide challenges along with recommended solutions and approaches aimed at moving our transportation network into the future. Once finalized, the plan will be submitted to the governor and the 2011 Legislature.
The plan is grounded in seven overarching themes:
• The state’s transportation system needs to work as an integrated network, effectively connecting across modes and jurisdictions.
• Preservation and maintenance of the existing transportation system is the most critical need.
• Washington faces a structural transportation funding problem and additional revenue is needed.
• Transportation policy should support and reinforce other state policy objectives.
• The relationship between land use and transportation is key.
• There are significant differences across regions and one size does not fit all.
• Policy planning must continue its evolution to performance-based programs.
“In order to move our state’s transportation system into the future, we must have a cohesive plan that helps guide and coordinate long-term investment and policy decision making across modes and jurisdictions,” said Carol Moser, Commission Chair and WTP Advisory Group member. “Because this plan impacts each and every one of our futures, it is so important that everyone statewide get involved and have a say in how they will travel from point A to point B, and how it should be paid for over the next 20 years.
“Even though the state is making substantial investments with revenues generated by recent gas tax increases, the last WTP four years ago identified a $67 billion need. That number has grown exponentially since then.”
Public input is an important part of developing WTP 2030. In September, the commission will hold five “listening sessions.” The purpose of these sessions is to give people across the state an opportunity to share their views to help shape the content and priorities of the plan. Session locations and dates are provided on the commission’s website at: http://wstc.wa.gov/WTP_New/default.htm.
The public can view WTP 2030 on the commission’s Web site http://wstc.wa.gov/WTP_New/default.htm. The commission’s Web site also features an online public input tool that gives citizens the opportunity to comment on transportation issues and priorities as well as comment on specific portions of the plan.
Comments also will be accepted by e-mail wtp2030@wstc.wa.gov or by mail (P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308) through Oct. 15.
Additional information about the plan will also be provided on the WTP 2030 blog (http://wtp2030.wordpress.com).
