SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council has released the Transportation 2040 Final Environmental Impact Statement. Transportation 2040 is an action plan for transportation in the central Puget Sound region for the next 30 years.

By the year 2040, the region is expected to grow by roughly 1.5 million people and support more than 1.2 million new jobs. All of these new people and new jobs are expected to boost demand for travel within and through the region by about 40%. Recognizing that some uncertainties exist regarding the economy, transportation funding, energy supply, technology and climate change, Transportation 2040 outlines a long-term template for how this region should invest in transportation to accommodate rising travel demand, while at the same time embracing the need to be flexible and responsive to the ways people – and the world – actually will change. The FEIS explains the environmental impacts associated with Transportation 2040.

By being clear about this regional long-term vision, the Puget Sound region will be better able to influence the shorter term decisions that will be made at the state and federal levels on finance, environmental protection, and the future direction of the nation’s transportation programs. PSRC is scheduled to act on Transportation 2040 in May 2010.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It coordinates the distribution of about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.

Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, call 206-587-4819.